The territory’s ability to understand earthquakes just got a boost, compliments of the Puerto Rico Strong Motion Programme at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez.
A team of seismologists visited the territory this month to upgrade the network of about 30 strong motion sensors placed at strategic locations around the territory, according to Government Information Services.
Team member Dr. Carlos I. Huerta-Lopez said the upgrade allows for real-time monitoring of the data transmitted by the sensors.
Dr. Huerta-Lopez, a professor and researcher at the university, was responsible for setting up the computer perimeters that will allow the system to receive continuous signals from the sensors, according to GIS.
The remote monitoring afforded by the improved system is designed to enable PRSMP seismologists to track so-called “strong motions” in the VI.
The technology currently in place enables experts to speculate on how a particular site will respond to an earthquake.
“Some sites may be in soft soil, others in rocky soil; these factors will make a big difference in how the site responds,” he said.
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