USGS Updates Earthquake Alert App for Faster Warnings

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has improved its ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Detection system with an update designed to provide quicker alerts for significant earthquakes. This enhancement enables the system to more rapidly assess the magnitude of large earthquakes, allowing for faster distribution of alerts to mobile devices. According to Robert de Groot, the operations team lead for ShakeAlert, the system utilizes seismic stations to gauge ground movement, combining this data with information on how far the ground has moved to improve predictions on an earthquake’s impact. The time it takes for users to receive an alert on their phone depends on their distance from the earthquake’s epicenter, with the aim being to provide enough seconds for individuals to take protective actions.
Moreover, ShakeAlert is expanding its utility beyond personal alerts to include automated responses in critical infrastructure. Collaborations with hospitals and transportation entities, such as LA Metro and Cedar Sinai, aim to initiate automatic safety measures like slowing trains and opening firehouse doors immediately when an earthquake is detected. This technology, now available throughout the West Coast in California, Oregon, and Washington, serves as a vital safety tool for the region’s 50 million residents and visitors, aiming to mitigate the impact of earthquakes through advanced warning and automated safety measures.