CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM — Mathematicians may have devised a way to calculate the size and force of a tsunami well in advance, using underwater sound waves.<br /><br />A tsunami is a series of waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of water. Waves can surge as high as 100 feet and devastate coastal areas, reports Scientific American.<br /><br />Tsunamis are mainly caused by underwater earthquakes and are currently detected using pressure sensors and buoys. However, the system relies on a tsunami physically reaching a buoy to trigger an alarm.<br /><br />Scientists at Cardiff University in Wales have found that an early warning system can be developed by using a hydrophone to record acoustic gravity waves radiating from an earthquake.<br /><br />The waves carry information about the earthquake and can be used to determine the characteristics of a forthcoming tsunami, allowing for early detection.<br /><br />In the future, the team aims to be able to activate a tsunami alarm in near real-time, within seconds of recording the signals.
