Real-time seismology focuses on developing advanced methods for the rapid detection and characterisation of earthquakes that pose potential risks to people and buildings. The main goal is to provide timely, actionable information for:
- Earthquake early warning (EEW)
- ShakeMap generation
- Rapid impact assessments
Enhancing seismic monitoring and response systems
Real-time seismology directly contributes to the advancement of technologies that help mitigate earthquake risk. By leveraging sophisticated data analysis techniques and state-of-the-art sensor networks, real-time seismology improves our ability to respond swiftly to seismic events, providing precise and timely information essential for disaster preparedness and societal resilience.
Development of advanced earthquake early warning systems and societal engagement
A key area of focus at the SED is the development of algorithms and software to facilitate and enhance EEW:
- Virtual Seismologist (VS) and Finite-Fault Rupture Detector (FinDer) for EEW
- ETHZ-SED SeisComP EEW add-ons to ensure compatibility with community standards and enabling real-time testing.
The algorithms are used for public EEW alerts via the US ShakeAlert EEW system and in Central America. Emerging technologies such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and machine learning for EEW are being integrated to further enhance cross-border seismic data exchange in Europe for rapid source characterisation (e.g. ShakeMap calculations) and impact assessment. In addition, the SED conducts societal studies on earthquake risk and response tools to improve its products and services, including a mobile app for alert distribution.
Dr. Maren Böse is leading the real-time seismology group at SED. The group collaborates with teams from the US ShakeAlert system, Central America, New Zealand, Italy, Taiwan and other groups. The group is also in charge of the seismo@school seismic network with almost 50 Raspberry Shake seismometers deployed across Switzerland.