Sparkle and INGV collaborate on subsea cable research

• Sparkle and the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore using Sparkle’s subsea fiber optic cables to detect seismic activities like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• Initial experiments utilizing the Mednautilus cable system’s 11,000 km network have demonstrated the ability to monitor mechanical vibrations and locate seismic events more accurately, setting the stage for advanced early warning systems for natural disasters.

What happened: Sparkle and INGV’s pioneering subsea cable collaboration

Sparkle, in partnership with the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the potential of using subsea fiber optic cables for seismic event detection. This collaboration, leveraging Sparkle’s existing telecommunications infrastructure, aims to refine fiber-sensing techniques that could detect earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and anomalous waves through mechanical vibrations impacting the cables.

The research focuses on the MedNautilus cable system, an extensive network stretching 11,000 km across the eastern Mediterranean. Initial tests have already been conducted to measure changes in the state of polarization of optical signals within the cables, which could help map submarine movements and more accurately pinpoint the epicenter of marine earthquakes.

With this agreement, Sparkle and INGV commit to further experiments, enhancing the capability to provide early warnings for tsunamis and earthquakes. This research not only aims to improve natural disaster response but also involves collaboration with other organizations like the National Underwater Dimension Pole (PNS) in La Spezia.

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Why it is important

The partnership between Sparkle and the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) is crucial for several reasons:

1. Improved Disaster Alerts: The initiative will enhance early warning systems for natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis, using Sparkle’s submarine cables to detect seismic activities, potentially saving lives and minimizing economic losses.
2. Innovative Technology Application: This agreement illustrates an innovative use of existing telecommunications infrastructure for environmental and seismic monitoring, increasing the utility of undersea cables beyond their conventional role.
3. Scientific Progress: The collaboration promotes scientific research in geophysics, using state-of-the-art fiber-sensing technologies to analyze submarine movements and locate earthquake epicenters more accurately.
4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The project involves multiple organizations, showcasing a model for how interdisciplinary cooperation can address complex global challenges like natural disaster preparedness.
5. Protection of Environment and Communities: By aiming to provide more precise and timely data about natural phenomena, the project supports broader efforts to protect ecosystems and communities from the devastating impacts of natural disasters.