Submarine communication cables, like the intricate network branching off from Japan, illustrate our planet’s interconnectedness. These cables, with their colorful lines connecting Japan’s islands to the rest of the world, are not only vital for data transmission but may also be key to detecting natural disasters.
Innovative Use of Existing Infrastructure
Dr. Tonegawa and his team highlight the potential of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology, which could transform submarine cables into extensive seismic monitoring networks. DAS offers two major advantages over traditional seismic tools:
- Governments and companies globally have already laid about 1.4 million kilometers of submarine cables. Although DAS cannot be applied along the entire length of these cables, collaboration with these entities could facilitate a broad deployment of this system.
- Fiber optic cables are divided into channels just meters apart, allowing for highly localized strain measurements. This is a significant improvement over conventional seismographs and pressure gauges, which have spatial gaps of tens of kilometers.
Potential Impact
Partnering with the entities that own these cables could lead to a comprehensive global rollout, significantly enhancing our ability to monitor seismic activity.
The close spacing of measurement channels in fiber optic cables allows for more precise detection of seismic activity, offering a clearer picture of underwater earthquakes and other natural disasters.
This innovative use of submarine communication cables represents a promising advancement in earthquake detection and monitoring, leveraging existing infrastructure to enhance global safety and preparedness.
Reference: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/why-japanese-researchers-are-looking-submarine-cables-faster-tsunami-warnings