GREAT is an advanced AI technology that provides accurate alerts at the onset of undersea earthquakes and tsunamis, potentially saving lives by providing timely warnings.
GREAT Technology: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to the laboratories of technology companies; it is becoming a crucial tool for safeguarding human lives. A recently developed advanced alert system—GREAT (Geoscience-based Rapid Earthquake and Tsunami Alert Technology)—is a prime example of this. This system is capable of providing rapid and accurate warnings before tsunamis strike.
What is ‘GREAT’ Technology?
GREAT stands for Geoscience-based Rapid Earthquake and Tsunami Alert Technology. This technology has been developed through the coordination of artificial intelligence and geoscience. It was created collaboratively by scientists at the University of California in the United States and Cardiff University in the United Kingdom. Its objective is to promptly identify earthquakes and tsunamis in their early stages and send alerts to coastal areas.
How Does This AI System Work?
GREAT technology is a multi-layered data analysis system that obtains information from specialized equipment deployed in the ocean, such as:
- Hydrophones – Detect sound vibrations within the ocean.
- DART Buoys – Measure changes on the ocean surface and at depth.
- Tide Gauges – Monitor the sea level.
Data from these sources is transmitted in real-time to an AI model. The AI algorithm rapidly analyzes this data, and if a threat is detected, it generates alerts at speeds faster than sound waves. This is significantly more effective than existing manual or traditional alert systems.
Testing to Date: What Does the Research Say?
According to scientists, the GREAT system has analyzed over 200 undersea earthquakes to date. In each case, it has provided impressive and rapid warnings. In the future, data from thousands of additional earthquakes will be added, further strengthening and improving the accuracy of its model. Notably, this system can identify potential tsunamis generated not only by undersea earthquakes but also by events like volcanic eruptions and landslides.
Why is GREAT Needed in India?
Although India is not considered one of the highest-risk countries for tsunamis, the tsunami tragedy of 2004, which resulted in thousands of deaths and the destruction of billions of rupees worth of property, remains a stark reminder. Furthermore, certain coastal regions of India, such as:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Odisha
…are always at risk of tsunamis. Additionally, states like Bihar and Assam are affected by floods and inundation every year. If AI technology like this is adopted in India, it could help avert major disasters by providing timely warnings.
AI's Next Step Towards Humanity
GREAT technology proves that AI is not just a medium for technological innovation, but it can also play a revolutionary role in protecting human lives. At a time when concerns and debates about AI continue, this technology has emerged as a new hope. In the future, when this system is implemented globally, we will be far more capable of fighting natural disasters.
