The 2019 Feasibility Study explored the design options for offshore monitoring of the Cascadia subduction zone. It aimed to enhance early warning systems for offshore earthquakes and tsunamis while improving Cascadia subduction zone monitoring capabilities. Funding came from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Study components
The research involved four main components:
- Analysis of existing offshore data and modeling studies to establish monitoring requirements.
- Examination of current observatories and emerging technologies to evaluate different approaches.
- Development of engineering requirements through an iterative process.
- A spring 2017 workshop convening scientists, engineers, and stakeholders, resulting in a white paper.
White paper
The white paper outlined the rationale for an offshore network, presented implementation tasks, established a timeline, and provided budget projections.
Beyond Cascadia
While focused on Cascadia, the study notes that its findings are “a useful resource for groups who are planning offshore monitoring infrastructure in other subduction zones.”