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OBJECTIVES
The primary aim of SAFER is to develop tools that can be used by disaster
management authorities for effective earthquake early warning in Europe
and, in particular, the densely populated cities. The tools are expected
to be user-friendly, have the maximum possible portability, and to be
in accordance with state-of-the-art research.
In particular, SAFER will be concerned with the following:
- The development of improved algorithms for the rapid determination
of earthquake source parameters (real-time event detection and location,
real-time fault mapping, as well as new approaches for fast magnitude/moment
determination based on strong motion data and modern seismic array
technology).
- Further elaboration of new concepts, including the virtual seismologist,
for providing, in an evolutionary process, real-time alert maps and
predicted shake maps within seconds and minutes, as well as measured
shake maps within a few minutes.
- Development of fast algorithms for damage scenario simulations and
the improvement of existing methods for real-time simulation and prediction
of earthquake-triggered secondary events (e.g. landslides) and the
related human and infrastructure losses.
- Deployment of real-time structural control mechanisms for immediate
protection of endangered infrastructure.
- Improvement of the reliability of assessments of aftershock hazard
in real-time.
- Applications to selected test cities (Istanbul, Bucharest, Athens,
Napoli and Cairo).
To reach these objective, a strategic approach has
been developed that addressed all major components of the earthquake
early warning chain, as outlined in the various project work-packages.
It starts with real-time hazard assessment (WP2, WP4) immediately from
the first detection of a strong earthquake, includes components of vulnerability
assessment (WP3), real-time risk assessment (WP3) and real-time risk
reduction
(WP3) within a few seconds before the first damage may occur, and also
deals with the new aspect of real-time aftershock hazard assessment
(WP5). Strengthening the interface of these scientific-technological
components with the decision-making and response component (WP6) is
especially emphasized. The work-package numbers shown in the brackets
above do not indicate the entire activity fields in each of the work-packages,
but represent their major focus, respectively.
The Earthquake Early Warning Chain
Considered Test Areas in the Project
(large circles: prototype cities, small circles: additional test areas)
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