Seismometers Could Be Powerful Source of Additional, Real-Time Flood Data, New Study Finds

Researchers led by the University of Göttingen in Germany recently published a new study demonstrating how seismic sensor networks can be used to detect the potential damage of a flood and as part of flood disaster preparedness program. By using seismometer data from a July 2021 German flood, the scientists proved it was possible to track path of the flood from up to 1.5 kilometers away. The team also developed mathematical models to take this data and estimate the speed of the flood, the debris swept away by the flood, and information about the rising water level. Utilizing seismometers in this fashion could provide needed help for first responders, especially when water sensors are damaged by a flood, like the three water level stations destroyed in the July 2021 flood. Access the full study here or read more at the University of Göttingen.