UK Scientists Trial Underwater Cable-Based Tsunami Early Warning System in New Zealand

UK scientists are collaborating with New Zealand researchers to test a pioneering underwater cable-based system for early detection of earthquakes and tsunamis in the Pacific Ocean. The £750,000 joint project aims to leverage existing subsea fiber optic cables to improve earthquake and tsunami warning capabilities, potentially protecting numerous lives in regions prone to these natural disasters.

The technology, developed by the UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL), uses optical interferometry to detect seismic activity through the telecommunication cables installed on the seabed. The system will be tested later this year on a 3,876 km section of the Southern Cross NEXT cable in the Tasman Sea between New Zealand and Australia, a highly seismically active area ideal for evaluating this new approach.

Dr. Giuseppe Marra, the project lead from NPL, explained, "This technology could provide a significant improvement in the speed and accuracy of earthquake and tsunami detection, giving vital extra time for evacuation and disaster response." The optical sensing technique was first developed by NPL in 2021 and demonstrated in the Atlantic Ocean, showing promising results for real-time monitoring of the underwater environment.

Why this matters: Tsunamis triggered by underwater earthquakes pose a severe threat to coastal communities worldwide, particularly in the Pacific Ocean region. Enhancing early warning systems through innovative technologies like this cable-based detection method could significantly improve disaster preparedness and response, ultimately protecting many lives.

The project is part of a wider international collaboration agreement between the UK and New Zealand, signed in 2022, which aims to advance research on these innovative environmental sensing techniques. Dr. Daniel Headland from New Zealand's Measurement Standards Laboratory highlighted the potential impact, stating, "This project could transform our understanding of the ocean floor and its role in earthquakes and tsunamis, leading to more effective early warning systems and improved safety for coastal populations." The technology also shows promise for monitoring seafloor temperature changes, aiding in the study of ocean floor geology and climate change.

Key Takeaways

• UK and NZ collaborate to test underwater cable system for earthquake/tsunami detection
• £750,000 project aims to leverage subsea fiber optic cables for early warning
• System uses optical interferometry to detect seismic activity through telecom cables
• Successful testing could improve disaster response and protect coastal communities
• Technology also shows promise for monitoring seafloor temperature and geology