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Fiber-Optic Cables Can Gauge Earthquake Size Within Seconds

Fiber-Optic Cables Can Gauge Earthquake Size Within Seconds

USGS and Cal Poly Humboldt researchers report that signals from existing fiber‑optic internet cables can help estimate the size of moderate to large earthquakes within the first four seconds of seismic waves. The approach, published in Nature Communications, could speed early assessments and alerts.

Original headline

In seconds, fiber optic cables detect earthquake size