The same optical fibers that carry internet data are now helping detect earthquakes more precisely than ever before. Researchers have discovered a way to use these fibers to pick up seismic activity in greater detail than traditional networks.
In a recent study published in Science, scientists used 15 kilometers of telecom fiber near Mendocino, California, to capture data during the region’s biggest earthquake in five years. They recorded how the magnitude 7 quake started, paused, and then sped up, even exceeding the speed of sound.
Zhongwen Zhan, a geophysicist, compared this discovery to looking at Saturn and realizing it has a ring when viewed through a better telescope. He stated that what telecom companies see as “noise” can actually be valuable data for researchers.
This technology isn’t entirely new. The oil industry has been using specialized fiber-optic cables since the 1990s to monitor conditions while drilling. Inspired by this, James Atterholt, a seismologist at the U.S. Geological Survey, set up an experiment. His team used a device called an interrogator, which sends lasers through an unused fiber-optic cable. The vibrations from ground movements create tiny changes in the fiber, effectively turning it into thousands of mini seismometers.
When an earthquake struck on December 5, 2024, Atterholt’s system recorded how the rupture traveled eastward, slowed at a junction of three tectonic plates, and eventually accelerated to a “supershear” speed, creating a sonic boom.
This is a significant leap forward for understanding earthquakes. Utilizing fiber-optic cables can potentially enhance earthquake early-warning systems. According to Brad Lipovsky, a geophysicist at the University of Washington, this tech could be vital for coastal cities at risk from offshore quakes and tsunamis. Additionally, it can be beneficial in extreme environments like Antarctica to monitor climate change impacts.
The shift from using these fibers for data transmission to monitoring seismic activity shows great promise. As experts explore new applications, this technology could reshape how we understand and respond to natural disasters.
For more information on this technology and ongoing research, check out the article in Science here and the ongoing discussions at Scientific American.
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California Institute of Technology, earthquake tremors, Zhongwen Zhan, optic fibers, Cape Mendocino, Internet traffic, biggest earthquake, Optical fiber, faster than the speed of sound, Mendocino
