NASA's GUARDIAN System Detects Tsunami in Real Time; Oregon Coast Experiences Earthquake Swarm
NASA's groundbreaking GUARDIAN technology, designed for tsunami detection, successfully identified a wave in real-time using GNSS data analysis. Simultaneously, the Oregon coast has experienced a series of earthquakes, with no tsunami alerts issued thus far.
GUARDIAN: Early Tsunami Detection
GUARDIAN leverages distortions in GNSS signals, usually corrected, as indicators of tsunami activity. The software analyzes data from over 350 GNSS ground stations globally, potentially detecting tsunamis up to 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) away. This could provide coastal communities near a GNSS station with up to 1 hour and 20 minutes of advance warning, potentially saving lives and property.
How GUARDIAN Works
The system relies on a network of GNSS stations supported by NASA’s Space Geodesy Project, the Global GNSS Network, and JPL’s Global Differential GPS network, which transmit data in real-time. During a recent earthquake off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia, GUARDIAN successfully deployed new AI and messaging system elements, demonstrating its capability to flag atmospheric distortions caused by tsunamis and notify relevant experts.
Advantages of GUARDIAN
Unlike traditional tsunami detection methods, GUARDIAN does not require information about the cause of a tsunami (e.g., undersea earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide). Instead, it detects the wave itself and alerts authorities, minimizing potential loss of life and property. This is crucial, as tsunamis don't discriminate and can impact multiple regions.
"GUARDIAN has real potential to help by providing open access to this data," said Adrienne Moseley, co-director of the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre. "Tsunamis don’t respect national boundaries. We need to be able to share data around the whole region to be able to make assessments about the threat for all exposed coastlines."
Oregon Coast Earthquake Activity
More than a dozen earthquakes have been reported off the Oregon coast since Monday, including a 5.1 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday afternoon and a 5.8 magnitude quake on Monday evening. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued automated alerts for these events, which occurred deep in the Pacific Ocean. So far, there have been no reports of people on land feeling the effects, and no tsunami alerts have been issued.
Context of Oregon Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a relatively common occurrence off the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and California. Tuesday’s earthquake was located approximately 170 miles west of Grants Pass, Oregon, according to the USGS.
To learn more about GUARDIAN, visit: https://guardian.jpl.nasa.gov
