How Earthquake Detector Work: Types, Applications, and Advancements

An earthquake detector is a device to detect ground and seafloor motions that trigger earthquakes and tsunamis. It consists of sensors that will transmit information and data to the central system. After that, the warning and information can be issued. What are the types, functions, and applications?

The Types of Earthquake Detector

Seismometers

This device is the most well-known one to detect the ground motion. When the seismic wave occurs, the instrument will record the motions immediately. There are two types of seismographs, vertical and horizontal instruments. So far, this device has the highest precision among all options.

Accelerometers

Another type to use which measures the acceleration of an earthquake is an accelerometer. The device is very sensitive to rapid movements, which helps the central server record the type of shaking. Accelerometers will record the ground shaking in real-time.

Earthquake EWS

This is an integrated detector because the system consists of many devices that work together at the same time. The sensors read the motion, the data is collected, and information about the earthquake is spread to many people as a warning. This system could save many lives.

The Applications of Earthquake Detector

Monitoring Seismic

It is impossible to detect an earthquake without sensors on the ground. Using an earthquake detector could monitor the motions when they occur, whether it is small or large. Local authorities also can study this further to analyze the possibility of earthquakes that may occur in the future.

Part of EWS

A detector is the most important instrument of the Early Warning System. This system works quickly and efficiently because the central data collection will spread earthquake information immediately after it occurs. Early alerts can save many people and minimize economic loss.

Monitoring Infrastructure

Infrastructure should be safe and healthy even after the shocking wave coming from the earthquake. Using an earthquake detector can give information about how high the safety of certain infrastructure and buildings. This data is usually used by engineers to improve construction techniques.

Predicting Earthquake

Assessment that local authorities should do is important to measure the risks after the earthquake in that region. Determining the affected areas informs urban planners, researchers, and construction regulators to analyze the safety better. It applies to short-term and long-term assessment.

A Warning System for Tsunami

The important application of an earthquake detector is to be integrated with a tsunami warning system. An earthquake with a high magnitude can trigger a tsunami and it is very dangerous for the areas on the coastline. The detector can predict the possibility of upcoming tsunami waves quickly.

Monitoring Volcanic Activity

Besides the earthquake from the motions of the seafloor, the detector can work to detect the motions from volcanic activity as well. This earthquake has the same level of seismic on the sea. Worse, it can be a sign of eruption. The detector can predict the flow of lava and worse eruptions in the future.

The Advancements of Earthquake Detectors

Data transmission speed

The most important advancement is improving the speed of transmission. With a wireless connection, the monitoring stations should be able to detect the motions accurately and transmit the information to the centralized system. After that, the data is analyzed.

Advancing GPS

GPS is one of the important instruments because it can detect the area that might get affected after an earthquake occurs. Besides, it also can see the shifts in tectonic settings. Deformation on the crust can be seen using GPS as well.

AI and Big Data

These two play important roles in analyzing the information better. The process using Big Data and AI can be more reliable when the formation of patterns is excellent. The modeling can be quick to see, so the performance of the system is getting better.

Remote monitoring

Another advancement in this system is remote monitoring. Recently, the system has been using drones to see certain regions with volcanoes and fault lines. There is no need for humans anymore to examine certain hazardous areas.

Closing

Using an earthquake detector is a preventive action to protect many lives when this disaster occurs. Another device to consider is an SMS Broadcaster to spread warning messages to many users, so people can be alerted and take actions as soon as possible, such as preparing to evacuate and protecting themselves.