Improved earthquake response via simulation and integrated space- and ground-based technologies: the TREMOR proposal.
- Paper number
IAC-08.D3.2.4
- Author
Mr. Jason Hochstein, International Space University, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Ian Christensen, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University, United States
- Coauthor
Ms. Annie Martin, Canada
- Coauthor
Ms. Emily Coffey, European Space Agency (ESA), Netherlands Antilles
- Coauthor
Mr. Lauren Fletcher, NASA - Ames Research Center, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Paul Harrison, Bristol Aerospace Ltd., Canada
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Earthquakes occurring around the world each year lead to enormous monetary costs in damage to buildings and infrastructure, hundreds to thousands of lives lost, and incalculable human suffering. In recent years, satellite technology has been a significant boon to response efforts following an earthquake and its after-affects by providing mobile communications between response teams and remote sensing of damaged areas to disaster management organizations. An international team of students and professionals assembled during the 2007 International Space University's Summer Session Program to examine how satellite- and ground-based technology could be better integrated for optimized response in the event of an earthquake, regardless of location. The resulting Technology Resources for Earthquake Monitoring and Response (TREMOR) proposal describes a prototype response system that will implement mobile satellite communication hubs to provide telephone and data links between response teams, and on-site telemedicine consultation for emergency first-responders, while satellite navigation systems will locate and track emergency vehicles, and guide search-and-rescue crews. The TREMOR proposal also includes an earthquake simulation system, which integrates historical records, infrastructure and resources information, earth observation imagery and geophysical data in a GIS-based architecture. When coupled with observable earthquake precursor signals, the simulation system allows local actors to pre-plan response efforts and pre-position response assets. Simulation and GIS information is provided to on-the-scene responders via TREMOR's mobile communications system. This simulation system provides a bridge between the prototype earthquake response system and a proposed TREMOR earthquake early warning system, the latter of which has been described in previous papers. The TREMOR team recommends programmatic, educational and policy frameworks to ease the implementation of its proposals, including co-ordination of these efforts through a new, non-governmental organization.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D3.2.4.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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