JOURNAL ARTICLE

Seafloor telecom cable transformed into giant earthquake detector: Dense seismic array more than 4000 kilometers long promises new views of Earth's interior.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Voosen, Paul 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses a breakthrough in using existing fiber-optic cables as seismic sensors to enhance the monitoring of the ocean floor and Earth's interior. Researchers at Nokia Bell Labs have transformed a 4,400-kilometer telecom cable between Hawaii and California into a network equivalent to 44,000 seismic stations, utilizing a technique called distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). This innovation allows for the detection of seismic events, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, while also raising questions about data sensitivity and potential logistical challenges related to military and telecom company concerns. The technology promises to provide high-resolution insights into previously overlooked geological and oceanographic phenomena. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2025/12, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:190301620
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