The new AI and acoustic sound-based system can detect seismic events and tsunamis much earlier.

Scientists at Cardiff University have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered early warning system for tsunamis and underwater earthquakes, using technology such as underwater microphones and acoustic-gravity waves to monitor the movement of tectonic plates in real-time.

Acoustic-gravity waves are a type of sound wave that propagates through the deep ocean at the same speed as sound. These waves can originate from a variety of sources, including underwater earthquakes, explosions, and landslides, all of which have the potential to trigger tsunamis. These sound waves can be captured by microphones and analyzed by AI. (Sky News)

By using underwater microphones, the system is able to detect the source of tectonic events and predict where evacuation is necessary, with a faster response time than existing warning systems, which are dependent on sea buoys and seismic sensors for wave alerts.

The AI system can also classify the earthquake’s “slip type” and magnitude before analysing its properties, such as length and width, uplift speed, and duration, to find out the actual size of the tsunami.

With the current system, there is often little time for evacuation and false alarms can shut down businesses and ports, causing a significant financial impact. However, because acoustic-gravity waves can travel through the water much faster than tsunami waves, the AI system can sense these and issue alerts much earlier – enabling more time for evacuation of locations before the tsunami hits land, and potentially saving lives.

The team is currently in talks with UNESCO and Portugal, among other countries, to explore opportunities to use the technology in disaster prevention.

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