A major breakthrough in tsunami detection technology recently became widely available, one that could transform real-time tsunami warning systems. GREAT, or Gravity Wave Real-time Assessment Tool, is a cutting-edge tool. It employs underwater acoustic waves to rapidly detect the characteristics of tsunamis from both seismic and non-seismic origins, giving coastal communities faster and more accurate warnings. The project is headed by Dr. Usama Kadri, a Reader in Applied Mathematics at Cardiff University. They recently announced their results at Geoscientific Model Development.
Beginning in June 2024, GREAT began receiving real-time hydroacoustic data from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). They did this by downloading daily rainfall data from the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA). This joint effort is a key move toward using the technology already at our fingertips to better prepare communities for disasters. The early returns are great! GREAT performed live operational testing at the state-of-the-art Tsunami Warning Center in Cardiff.
Capabilities of GREAT
What makes GREAT unique is its ability to model tsunamis of various origins. Whether the energy waves are caused by seismic activity or non-seismic triggers, GREAT successfully evaluates their exposure. These are all examples of catastrophic triggering events, including landslides, volcanic eruptions, meteotsunamis, meteorite impacts and even explosions. GREAT captures the acoustic gravity waves produced by these phenomena. It then provides real-time estimates of tsunami hazards over the first thousand kilometers from a hydrophone station, on average in only six minutes.
In her new paper, Dr. Kadri emphasizes having a rapid response capability. This is particularly important for regions near the source of a tsunami. GREAT provides instantaneous analytic outputs in only a few seconds, even on a basic desktop workstation. This efficiency enables the VALT to be an indispensable tool for emergency responders and disaster management agencies.
The capacity to issue timely, effective early warnings is key to saving lives and reducing destruction from tsunami disasters. GREAT builds on existing hydroacoustic data to provide a global, real-time early alarm system for tsunamis. If successful, this innovation has the potential to change how entire communities prepare for and recover from these ruinous natural disasters.
Endorsement and Future Prospects
GREAT has received endorsement from the United Nations, through its Ocean Decade initiative. This recognition reflects GREAT’s essential contribution in educating and advocating for ocean science to advance global disaster risk reduction efforts. This distinction highlights the realization of the project’s transformative potential to improve global tsunami preparedness and response capabilities.
The first testing stages have proven GREAT’s ability to deliver rapid warnings and evaluations. Since then, the system has been refined and administered to growing numbers of students in further pilot testing. Experts predict it will become an important element of tsunami warning systems around the world.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kadri sees great things in store for GREAT. His team is doing ongoing research to power its abilities and expand its uses. The project team is committed to ensuring that communities at risk of tsunamis have access to reliable and prompt warning systems that can mitigate the effects of these devastating events.