Katarzyna Petru
Since 2021, Google has been building something that would have sounded like science fiction a decade ago – an earthquake detection network based on smartphones. Utilizing over two billion Android devices, the company has created a system that analyzes motion sensor data in real time and warns users before tremors occur. Sounds unbelievable? And yet it works – with accuracy comparable to professional seismometers.
Mass instead of expensive devices
Traditional seismic systems rely on expensive, stationary devices. Google opted for scale – millions of phones acting as miniature sensors. Algorithms gather data from various regions, taking into account local geology and building types, and even detect subtle vibrations. Over three years, the number of users receiving alerts has increased tenfold, now covering 98 countries.
A system that learns (and can make mistakes)
February 2023 – two tragic earthquakes in Turkey exposed the weaknesses of the system. Google sent out 4.5 million alerts, but many of them lacked the appropriate level of urgency. A later analysis showed that after an algorithm update, the alerts would have reached 10 million people and would have been much more decisive. This shows that the system is not infallible, but is continuously learning.
Scientists praise, but want more transparency
Experts from California and Washington praise Google’s solution for its potential, but at the same time call for greater transparency. Although the company declares openness, it does not publicly share algorithms or data, which makes independent assessment of the system difficult. Google emphasizes that this is only a complement to official systems, not a replacement.
If you have a smartphone – you are part of something bigger. The earthquake warning system based on Android may be one of the most innovative life-saving tools ever created. And although it is not yet perfect, its potential grows with each additional phone connected to the network.
