Underwater sound waves can help tsunami warnings earlier

When events that cause tsunamis such as underwater earthquakes occur, sound waves known as sound gravity waves (AGW) are sent through the water stream. Now, Cardiff University scientists have developed a method of mathematical analysis of those waves to predict how the tsunami will be devastating.

AGW waves move 10 times faster than tsunamis, and move in all directions from the center of the earthquake.

When they are detected by a hydrophone (water seismic receiver in water) under water, the device can identify earthquake characteristics such as location, time, size and direction. By analyzing that data, Cardiff researchers can now calculate the potential amplitude and destructive power of the tsunami, much earlier than before.

Consequences of tsunami attacks Sri Lanka in 2004. (Source: Fotoember / Depositphotos).

Currently, the warning system includes buoys to measure changes in ocean pressure caused by tsunamis. If these devices are anchored near the shore, they do not provide much warning - the tsunamis actually touched these buoys to be discovered. In addition, there needs to be a network of many buoys, placed around the world and quite expensive.

But an AGW wave recognition system will not have the same disadvantages.

Leading scientist Dr. Usama Kadri said: "By measuring negative gravity waves, we have everything we want. Our aim is to be able to set a tsunami alarm within minutes. after recording the audio signals from the hydrophone station ".

In a previous study, Kadri also considered the possibility of using artificial AGW waves to prevent tsunamis from causing landslides.