Has An Earthquake Detection System Become Reality??

Plain and simple, natural disasters are horrendous! To put it politely, they S-U-C-K! Floods, tornado’s, hurricane’s, volcanic eruption’s, landslide’s, and notoriously here in California…earthquakes! All these natural disasters lead to some kind of loss, whether it be financial, environmental, or human loss. In most cases, there’s actually some degree of advanced warning as to when a natural disaster might strike. Take hurricane’s for example. We are able to pinpoint powerful storms in advance and prepare accordingly.  If nothing else, this allows us to reduce the probability of human loss.

Unfortunately, advanced warning does not apply when it comes to the earth shifting, otherwise known as EARTHQUAKES! ………Or does it??

In an article published by Fox News, there is now “a state-of-the-art, first-in-the-world earthquake detection system in now installed and operational” in southern California, near Palm Springs, in the Coachella Valley.  In fact, twelve locations are now in place with 120 sites planned, all meant to detect an earthquake and give people a chance to duck and cover, or brace themselves before the shaking begins.

This earthquake detection system was created by a company called QuakeGuard. The system works by way of sensors which are designed to detect the initial, or “P” energy waves given off by every quake, even though it’s only the later, or “S” waves that do all the damage. The time in-between the two waves varies depending on the proximity to the epicenter and as the first sensor closest to the quake goes off, it can offer advance notice — from a few seconds to a full minute– to other locations farther away.

The system can also be set to automatically open fire station doors, and water and gas valves for municipalities could be shut off. Back-up generators for hospitals could be turned on and, most importantly, warn school kids to duck and take cover.

Of the 12 sets of sensors currently set in place throughout the Coachella Valley in Southern California, all are tied to fire stations. Soon, they will be networked to every school in the area. Down the road, they can possibly be  linked to hospitals, private businesses and even people’s homes.

A mobile system is also in development and would help rescue crews detect aftershocks. A few seconds could get rescuers out from under the rubble and thus out of harm’s way.

How great would this be for California or for any other regions affected by the earth moving?? It’ll be interesting to see how technology progresses. In this case, not soon enough! We can’t stop an earthquake, but it would be nice to be warned if one is on the way . The sudden jolt of the earth shifting is the probably the scariest part of an earthquake in my opinion. Let alone the damage and destruction that comes with it.

Would an earthquake detection system ease your fear of earthquakes?

–JK