San Francisco receives grant for earthquake early warning research

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation has awarded $6 million to three West Coast universities to create a prototype earthquake early warning system for the Pacific Coast of the United States.

Here is an example of what the program will look like:

The grant, in collaboration with the USGS, will allow seismologists in larger cities to learn about the science of earthquakes and the best way to capture and analyze seismic data. The goal is to give schools, utilities, industries and the general public as much time as possible, most likely seconds to several minutes, before the ground begins to shake.  A warning system has the potential to save thousands of lives and millions of dollars in the event of an earthquake, andit is important to resolve any scientific questions that could stand in the way of implementing such a system. 

The technology and scientific expertise exist to create a sophisticated West Coast earthquake early warning system even more advanced than Japan’s now four-year-old system, which functioned well after the magnitude 9.0 Tohoku quake earlier this year.  This is a great way to implement proper preventive mitigation measures.  Since the technology is constantly changing, Americans have developed a better system, so accurate that people will know the exact minute or second they will need to find rescure.  This will cut down on the "golden hour" and increase the chance of survival after an earthquake.


Article Here:
http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2011/11/29/moore-foundation-awards-6-million-for-earthquake-early-warning-research/