Earthquake sensors can help forecast how hurricanes intensify
Stanford researchers have discovered that seismic and acoustic sensors, typically used for earthquake monitoring, can effectively track hurricane intensity and landfall. This method provides meteorologists with new data streams to improve storm prediction models.
Why it matters
This cross-disciplinary application of geophysical tools could significantly enhance the accuracy of hurricane forecasting and disaster preparedness.
edited by Swati Mestri , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source A satellite image of Hurricane Isaac in 2012 as it made landfall on the Louisiana coast. Overlaid on the image is a seismogram showing ground vibrations caused by strong winds before and after the calm eye of the storm passed. Credit: Satellite image by NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Seismogram image by the National Science Foundation's Seismological Facility for the Advancement of Geoscience. Image provided by Qing Ji. Stanford researchers have shown that instruments primarily used to understand earthquakes can capture key details about hurricanes, helping meteorologists better predict how storms will evolve and intensify.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in