Submarine cables want to be used for earthquake monitoring

With the help of underwater communication lines it will be possible to collect and transmit information about earthquakes – and in real time.
Data on seismic vibrations are usually collected using special seismic sensors. However, information from them can be obtained only after the end of the earthquake. In addition, to cover all the seismically active zones of the Earth with such sensors is extremely expensive.
Scientists from the Joint Task Force Committee proposed a fairly simple solution for detecting earthquakes on the ocean floor. As sensors, they suggest using submarine communication cables. To do this, on one side of the cable, which consists of two fibers, you will need to install a sensor to provide the reference signal. On the other hand, both fibers are connected in such a way that the signal can return through the second fiber.
To obtain data on an earthquake, signals from two separate cables are sufficient. This method allows not only to catch seismic fluctuations, but also to transmit information about them in real time. In addition, with the help of the new method, it is possible to catch not very strong earthquakes, by force up to 4 points.
The fiber-optic method can be used to study oscillations in remote seismically active zones, such as the North Atlantic Ridge. According to scientists, a new method can be useful in other areas of science – for example, in studying the migration of marine animals.