|
|
|
  |
| Sunday, 20 February 2005 |
 |
|
 |
World |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Japan researchers study new tsunami warning system TOKYO, Saturday (Reuters) Japanese researchers are starting work on a tsunami warning system using shortwave radar that could detect the giant waves faster, aiming to install it around Japan in 2007, Kyodo news agency reported on Saturday. The new system, which is being developed at Akita University in northern Japan and a Tokyo research centre, would rely on shortwave radar devices that bounce radio waves off the ocean to measure the size of ocean waves. Similar devices are already being used in 34 locations around Japan to monitor ocean currents and would be ideal for a tsunami warning system since they are relatively inexpensive and each cover an area of 200 km (124 miles), Kyodo said. The researchers plan to develop a computer system that would automatically signal these devices to detect a tsunami once an earthquake has occurred, and then to relay that information quickly. They hope to test radar devices for the system in 2006 and aim to incorporate it into Japan's current warning system, which relies on analysing seismologic waves, in 2007. Officials were not immediately available to comment. Japan, which has a long history of tsunami and early warning systems, has thrown its experience into efforts to develop a warning system for the Indian Ocean after huge tsunami waves on Dec. 26 struck parts of the region, leaving widespread destruction and killing an estimated 300,000 people. Thousands might have been spared if warnings had reached nations such as Sri Lanka and India before the waves struck. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
