A new early warning system for detecting tsunamis (GITEW) has just gone live in the Indian Ocean.
The system, which follows on from the disaster of 2004, was handed over to the BMKG (Meteorological, Climatology and Geophysical Agency of Indonesia).
Due to the unique geological situation in Indonesia, previous warning systems – such as those employed in the Pacific – were inappropriate. Due to the subduction zone – called the Sunda Arc – waves could reach shore within 20 minutes.
To accurately measure seismic activity, engineers developed a new software protocol called SeisComP3 which can determine – within minutes – the location and magnitude of an earthquake.
Commenting on the GITEW, Professor Reinhard Huettl, Chair of the Scientific Executive Board of the German Research Centre for Geosciences, said: “We are very pleased to put the Tsunami Early Warning System into operation today, exactly on schedule. All partners have, through enormous effort and dedication, contributed to achieving today’s result. And for this, I would like to sincerely thank all those involved”.
Seismic activity
Meet a civil engineer concerned with seismic loads on land.
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Date Published: November 11, 2008
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