Earthquake
early warnings may be possible
Berkeley, Calif. | November 11, 2005
12:01:13 AM IST
Scientists believe early earthquake warnings
might be possible through an analysis of the
frequencies of the initial seismic waves all
quakes generate.
Researchers say the first seismic waves
generated when an earthquake begins may allow them
to predict how strong the full-scale quake will
become, the San Francisco Chronicle reported
Thursday.
In an article in the journal Nature,
researchers Richard Allen of the University of
California-Berkeley's Seismological Laboratory and
his former graduate student, Erik Olson, say
they've developed a computer-based formula that
analyzes the first pulse of high-speed seismic
waves generated by a developing earthquake.
The scientists say their computer formula can,
within seconds, predict the size of the violent
high-energy waves that will follow.
Such advance warning is enough time for
utilities to shut down or isolate gas and electric
services, for airports to halt takeoffs and
landings, for emergency crews to spot potential
trouble areas and for residents to seek shelter,
the Chronicle reported.
Teams of scientists at the United States
Geological Survey and at other earthquake research
centers are evaluating the work. (UPI)
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