Improving the Hawaiian Seismic Network for Earthquake Early Warning

A new method to optimize seismic station placement significantly enhances earthquake early warning (EEW) capabilities, particularly for high-risk areas. The study identifies 13 strategic sites in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and surrounding regions where additional sensors or upgrades could provide an extra 1–4 seconds of warning for damaging earthquakes, focusing on astronomical observatories on Mauna Kea and population centers like Hilo and Kailua-Kona. This approach balances seismic hazard distribution with exposure risks, offering a scalable solution applicable to other seismically active regions. The research demonstrates that even small improvements in station coverage can substantially increase warning times, with potential benefits for infrastructure protection and public safety.

Hotovec‐Ellis, A. J., Bodin, P., Thelen, W., Okubo, P., & Vidale, J. E. (2017). Improving the Hawaiian Seismic Network for Earthquake Early Warning. Seismological Research Letters, 88(2A), 326–334. https://doi.org/10.1785/0220160187