To date, the detection of impending tsunamis has relied solely on traditional seismic devices. At a conference in San Francisco, scientist Jeff Freymueller from the University of Alaska presented a method that could identify tsunamis more quickly and accurately using the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Traditionally, seismic machines could only record underground tremors, which meant determining the intensity of these shakes often took a considerable amount of time. According to Freymueller, with the GPS system, it is possible to rapidly and fairly accurately assess the distance between the moving layers of earth.
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The crucial factor for quicker and more accurate tsunami detection is the Global Positioning System (GPS). |
If multiple GPS systems are established in earthquake-prone areas, it would enable immediate detection at the warning center just a few minutes after offshore tremors occur.
Freymueller has developed a device that integrates the functionality of the GPS system with traditional seismic recorders. These devices can be set up several hundred miles apart offshore, with each unit costing less than $10,000.
According to Freymueller, the number of victims from the tsunami in late 2004 could have been significantly reduced if there had been two hours for evacuation.
However, the analysis required to assess the intensity of the offshore earthquake took several hours, and that horrifying tsunami struck unexpectedly, leaving little time for action.
