Alaska scientists use seismology to predict landslides

Southeast Alaska has experienced a growing number of landslides in recent years and researchers said even seconds of notice could save property and lives. Seismologists study quick, stuttering shifts in the earth to measure how much it is shaking. The seismic signals are caused by trees, rocks and debris pushing on the ground.

Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, professor of geology at Western Washington University, said while landslide prediction is still in its infancy, as it develops, it could be used to pick up “precursory signals.”

“Get a better handle on which landslides have these precursory signals, how long before the slide those precursors begin and maybe most importantly, how we know that is a precursor signal,” Caplan-Auerbach outlined.