Alaska, renowned for its seismic activity, may soon have a critical tool to safeguard its residents, an earthquake early warning (EEW) system. A recent study by researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks reveals that, with enhanced seismic monitoring, Alaska could receive up to two minutes of warning before a major earthquake strikes.
The study, published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, indicates that for various earthquake scenarios, the EEW system could provide between 10 to 120 seconds of warning time. Increasing the density of seismic stations could add an additional 5 to 15 seconds to these estimates. This advancement could be life-saving, especially in regions like southcentral and southeast Alaska, which are prone to significant seismic events.
However, implementing such a system in Alaska presents unique challenges. The state’s vast and rugged terrain, coupled with harsh winters, makes it difficult to maintain and repair seismic stations.
Remote locations can lead to delays in data transmission, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the warning system. Researchers emphasize the need for redundancy and advanced technologies, such as ocean-bottom seismometers and distributed acoustic sensing, to address these issues.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of an EEW system are undeniable. In the event of a significant earthquake, even a few seconds of warning could allow residents to take protective actions, such as dropping to the ground, taking cover, and holding on. This proactive approach could significantly reduce injuries and fatalities associated with seismic events.