Scientists are turning to space for more data on earthquakes – Quartz

One of the best ways to understand how to respond to the deep tremors of our planet is to observe their effects from far away in space.

Through the use of satellite imagery, organizations responsible for responding to future seismic zones will be better able to analyze the affected areas and determine the intensity of the response to be made. A new study by researchers from the University of Iowa and the US Geological Survey shows how much satellite data has already been useful. The study was published this month in the journal Remote Sensing.

According to research, images taken during a day or so would provide scientists with detailed information on the exact location of an earthquake, its size, its appearance, and its location in relation to population centers. The USGS National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) takes this information and now integrates it into its Operational Response Guides, which are distributed to policy makers and rescue teams.

Generally, scientists and first responders have obtained most of their seismic data using ground seismometers, which measure seismic activity around the world. But these devices are not everywhere and it can be difficult to get an idea of ​​the damage caused by an earthquake depending on the location of the earthquake. To improve the accuracy of their data, scientists are increasingly turning to so-called "geodetic methods," a mathematical study of the evolution of Earth's shape after an earthquake. Together with the new satellite images, scientists and first responders have been able to obtain more accurate estimates of the number of people who died as a result of an earthquake and the economic losses incurred.

Radar images taken by the satellites helped formulate the response to a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Lombok Island, Indonesia in August 2018. Scientists were able to quickly create a model showing exactly where the quake hit and generate global impact tremor predictions. According to reports, about 80% of the structures were damaged or destroyed and nearly 417,000 people were displaced.

"Although this system is not yet fully operational, we are working with the USGS to make the earthquake response operational with satellite imagery a systematic component of earthquake monitoring and response efforts in the United States. the world, "said Bill Barnhart, lead author of the study, in a report.