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UAF Grad Student Develops New Method to Detect Offshore Earthquakes
The Coastal Array Project aims to improve earthquake early warning systems in Alaska.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:57am
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A graduate student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is leading a project at the Alaska Earthquake Center to develop a new method for better locating offshore earthquakes. The goal is to integrate this improved detection capability into a future earthquake early warning system for Alaska, which could provide critical seconds of advance notice before shaking begins.
Why it matters
Alaska experiences a high frequency of large offshore earthquakes, which pose unique challenges for earthquake detection and early warning compared to other parts of the U.S. Accurately pinpointing the location of these offshore quakes is crucial for an effective early warning system that can reliably alert communities in time.
The details
The Coastal Array Project uses two seismic arrays, each with 26 closely spaced seismometers, installed temporarily in Kodiak and Homer. This dense configuration allows for better triangulation of offshore earthquake epicenters compared to the typical 20-50 km spacing of seismometers. The project aims to determine if this array design can track the movement of large quake ruptures in real-time, providing more detailed information on the size and location of shaking.
- The seismic arrays were installed in September 2026 and removed in November 2026.
- The project team expects to have final results in the next 6-12 months.
The players
Cade Quigley
A graduate student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks who is leading the Coastal Array Project.
Michael West
The State Seismologist of Alaska and Quigley's advisor on the project.
Alaska Earthquake Center
The research organization leading the Coastal Array Project to improve earthquake detection and early warning capabilities in Alaska.
USGS
The federal agency that provided funding for the Coastal Array Project through a grant award.
What they’re saying
“A lot of other places in the U.S. don't have as many very large earthquakes that are coming from offshore sources like Alaska does. This is an issue that is not just unique to Alaska, but it is unique in terms of the United States.”
— Cade Quigley, Graduate Student
“Location triangulation all of a sudden becomes a lot easier if you have like a station in every single direction.”
— Cade Quigley, Graduate Student
“If you mislocate where that earthquake is happening in this early warning system, you can end up sending a message to a community that is far away from shaking and that doesn't actually need a warning.”
— Cade Quigley, Graduate Student
What’s next
The project team will analyze the data from the seismic arrays over the next 6-12 months to determine if the Coastal Array method can provide the accuracy and real-time tracking needed to integrate into a future earthquake early warning system for Alaska.
The takeaway
As a state prone to large offshore earthquakes, Alaska is at the forefront of developing new technologies to improve earthquake detection and early warning capabilities. The Coastal Array Project represents an innovative approach that could enhance the reliability and effectiveness of future earthquake alert systems, helping to protect Alaskan communities.
