How Submarine Cables Respond to Seismic Waves
Author Information
Author(s): David M. Fairweather, Max Tamussino, Ali Masoudi, Zitong Feng, Richard Barham, Neil Parkin, David Cornelius, Gilberto Brambilla, Andrew Curtis, Giuseppe Marra
Primary Institution: University of Edinburgh
Hypothesis
What is the optical response of submarine telecommunications cables to seismic and acoustic waves?
Conclusion
The study found that submarine cables can detect seismic wave arrivals from perpendicular sources, and that the cable's metal armor significantly influences the optical signals.
Supporting Evidence
- The study presents the first controlled measurements of submarine cable responses to seismic waves.
- Results indicate that integrated optical measurements can detect seismic waves from perpendicular sources.
- Significant differences in waveforms were observed between adjacent optical fibers within the same cable.
Takeaway
This study shows that underwater cables can feel earthquakes and other vibrations, and how they react can be affected by their design.
Methodology
The researchers measured optical path-length changes in submarine cables using both integrated and distributed sensing techniques, comparing results with data from geophones and seismometers.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not fully represent real-world conditions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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