Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), an initiative of the University of Victoria, has installed the final set of underwater earthquake early warning sensors off the west coast of Canada that will be part of a system alerting authorities to take preventative and protective measures for public safety.
Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), an initiative of the University of Victoria, has installed the final set of underwater earthquake early warning sensors off the west coast of Canada that will be part of a system alerting authorities to take preventative and protective measures for public safety. The system would enable a warning of 20 seconds to two minutes in the event of a significant earthquake.
Today, ONC will mark a significant operational milestone in partnership with the operator of Vancouver’s Canada Line rapid transit system. A simulated exercise—as if responding to a megathrust earthquake affecting the Canada Line—will demonstrate how the network will help data end-users such as transit authorities respond to emergencies.
The densely populated southwest region of BC is located on the Cascadia subduction zone, which stretches from northern Vancouver Island to northern California and is capable of producing a megathrust earthquake above magnitude 7 that would significantly affect public safety, property and infrastructure. The exercise will allow the Canada Line’s operator to simulate slowing down trains and holding them at stations.
“Ocean Networks Canada’s earthquake early warning technology promises a new era of earthquake preparedness that will enhance the safety of both riders and workers on the Canada Line,” says Canada Line general manager Ron Powell.
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Image via University of Victoria.
