Cal Poly Humboldt tests fiber optic cables for earthquake early warning in Northern California

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake in Mendocino County has prompted researchers at Cal Poly Humboldt to explore whether fiber optic cables being deployed for rural broadband in Humboldt and Trinity counties could also serve as an early earthquake warning system. The technology, known as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), uses laser pulses through fiber optic lines to detect ground vibrations and seismic activity faster than traditional seismometers. This approach could provide critical seconds of warning before strong shaking arrives, potentially giving residents and infrastructure time to prepare. The article explores the science behind DAS, the ongoing testing by the Cal Poly Humboldt team, and the implications for earthquake-prone Northern California.