NPL and MSL in New Zealand successfully detected a multitude of earthquakes in the Pacific Ocean using a pioneering detection technique.

The team are performing ultra-sensitive optical measurements, converting a branch of the Southern Cross Next seafloor cable, which connects New Zealand to Australia, into an array of sensors for earthquakes and ocean currents. The technique uses the optical fiber inside the cable as the sensing element and gathers environmental data from the seabed, where no other permanent sensors exist.

The Pacific Ocean is a highly seismically active area and, since the start of the measurements in October 2024, the team has already recorded more than 50 earthquakes, with epicenters from tens to hundreds of km from the cable. This high rate of detection will drastically accelerate the research and the refinement of the technique, which was previously tested in the less seismically active Atlantic Ocean.

Using NPL’s technique, the team will be collecting measurements until December 2025, providing the game-changing potential to develop a worldwide monitoring network of seafloor sensors using the existing subsea infrastructure. Indeed, while more than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, the ocean floor is largely unmonitored. This limits our understanding of the Earth’s structure and dynamic behavior.

The innovative sensing technique being tested in the Tasman Sea can help start filling the existing data gap and improve our understanding in a number of science areas, from seismology to oceanography and climate change.

Tsunami experts at GNS Science (NZ) will analyze the data to assess its potential also for detecting tsunamis and explore how these new technologies can be complementary to more traditional approaches. The synergy between old and new techniques could significantly improve our ability to respond to natural hazards with significant benefits to coastal communities, especially those in areas frequently affected by earthquakes and tsunamis such as in the Pacific.

Giuseppe Marra, principal scientist, NPL said, “We are very excited to have started detecting earthquakes and ocean currents in the Tasman Sea. This is the very first test of this technology in the Pacific Ocean and the waters surrounding New Zealand are the ‘perfect laboratory’ to demonstrate the full potential of these innovative cable-based ocean monitoring techniques for Earth sciences and coastal population protection.

“This very successful UK-NZ project shows how exciting science can bring together countries at the opposite side of the world and we look forward to more collaborative work with New Zealand.”

Dean Veverka, CTO of Southern Cross Cables Limited, said, “Recently we have seen, and the Pacific Islands have experienced, the impact that natural disasters can have on communities and livelihood. Early detection of earthquakes and changes in the seabed can enable communities to better prepare for, and protect against, these natural events.

“NPL and MSL have been outstanding in the progression and success of earthquake and ocean current detection in the Pacific Ocean. We are proud to utilize the Southern Cross NEXT cable to help accelerate the data collection that will improve our understanding of the Pacific Ocean and have a life changing impact to the Pacific communities.”

Iona Thomas, British High Commissioner to New Zealand, said, “The Quantum Seismic Detection Project shows how our nations can lead in advanced technology by working together. Through the UK/New Zealand Science Work Program, the UK and New Zealand aim to drive life-changing innovations and support economic growth. This project marks a new phase of collaboration between our countries, and I look forward to seeing how it benefits communities across the Pacific.”

Annette Koo, director of MSL, said, “This work highlights the power of collaboration and innovation to address global challenges. By bridging scientific disciplines and leveraging international expertise, we’re unlocking new ways to monitor our planet, protect communities, and enhance our understanding of the natural world.”

Bill Fry, seismo-tectonophysicist, GNS said, “This is an awesome and creative example of leveraging existing data sources and expertise from around the world to increase our eyes and ears in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. We believe that adding these new cabled data will complement other rich data sources and collectively deliver faster and better tsunami warnings that will save lives in New Zealand and across the Pacific.”