Earthquake Early Warning System
Global Seismic Data is developing a next-generation Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system for New Zealand. Our system is designed to detect earthquakes in real time and deliver rapid alerts, helping protect people, critical infrastructure, and support faster, safer decision-making.
Web-based early warning dashboard
Early warning mobile app
What is Earthquake Early Warning?
An EEW system detects the first seismic signals of an earthquake, known as P-waves, which travel faster but usually cause minimal or no damage. By analysing the characteristics of these early signals, the system estimates the expected intensity of the damaging shaking caused by the later S-waves.
Based on this estimate, the system can issue alerts seconds to tens of seconds before strong shaking begins, depending on your distance from the earthquake. Even a short warning can make a big difference - giving people time to take protective actions, slowing trains, and safely shutting down machinery.
How It Works
Sensors Installed
Our sensors are strategically installed in buildings to detect the initial ground motion within milliseconds of P-wave arrival.
An Earthquake Occurs
As shaking begins, Primary (P) waves, the fastest seismic waves, radiate outward from the rupture and are the first to reach the sensors.
Event Verification
Using real-time data streams from the sensor network, the system rapidly distinguishes true earthquake signals from noise and estimates the event location.
Impact Estimation and Alert Delivery
Expected shaking intensity and potential impacts are calculated in real time using New Zealand-specific seismic models and site conditions.
Protective and Automated Actions
Individuals receive alerts and take protective actions. Where configured, predefined automated actions are triggered, including slowing trains, closing water or gas valves, and securing critical infrastructure.
Post-Event Updates
Following the event, the system continues to refine estimates and generates performance and impact reports to support evaluation and continuous improvement.
Sensors for Early Warning
Designed for EEW, these sensors deliver low-latency ground motion detection and precise timing to enable rapid alerting. They identify strong ground motion in its earliest moments, helping trigger warnings and automated responses before damaging shaking arrives.
Features
Early Warning Alerts
Fast, reliable earthquake alerts are delivered through multiple channels to ensure critical notifications are received in time to act.
Infrastructure Control
Seamless integration with your infrastructure to automatically trigger predefined safety actions and protective responses when shaking is imminent.
Shaking Intensity & Arrival Estimates
Real-time estimates of expected ground-shaking intensity at your location.
Live Monitoring Dashboard
A real-time dashboard providing alerts and live earthquake information at a glance.
Mobile Apps
Stay informed anywhere with mobile alerts and event details delivered directly to your phone.
Post-Event Reporting
A downloadable shake report is available shorty after alerts are sent out.