On July 29, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake shook Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. This earthquake triggered a tsunami — one that NASA’s GUARDIAN was able to catch early. GUARDIAN (GNSS Upper Atmospheric Real-time Disaster Information and Alert Network) is an experimental technology being developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
It works by analyzing data from the 350+ GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) ground stations around the world. When a tsunami is approaching, the surface of the ocean pushes against the air above it. This air goes all the way to the ionosphere, causing disturbance there.
When the ionosphere gets disturbed, the signals from the GNSS get distorted. It’s this distortion that GUARDIAN detects. Interestingly, GUARDIAN can potentially detect signs of a tsunami forming up to about 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) away from a GNSS station.
GUARDIAN can process the data it receives about a coming tsunami within about 10 minutes. The quick response means that experts have ample time to act, preventing unnecessary loss of lives and property.
For this recent tsunami, GUARDIAN confirmed its signs 30 to 40 minutes before the waves actually reached Hawaii and other Pacific coasts. Before the day of the tsunami, an artificial intelligence (AI) system and a prototype messaging system were added to GUARDIAN. The AI system helped in scanning for tsunami patterns, while the messaging system sent alerts to experts.
Bill Fry, chair of the United Nations technical body that assesses the circum-Pacific tsunami monitoring system, has described GUARDIAN as part of a “Paradigm shift.” GUARDIAN will augment other existing early warning systems to improve tsunami forecasting.
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.