In March 2025, a new technology featured on the TV Tokyo program “Ima kara Science” is bringing fresh hope to the field of disaster prevention. The innovation involves a tsunami prediction system that uses infrasound—sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear.
What is Infrasound?
Infrasound refers to low-frequency sound waves below 20 Hz, which are undetectable by human hearing. These waves are generated by natural events such as volcanic eruptions, massive explosions, and tsunamis. Infrasound travels long distances through the atmosphere, and this unique characteristic makes it possible to detect the occurrence of a tsunami in its early stages.
The Work at Kochi University of Technology
Professor Masayuki Yamamoto of Kochi University of Technology is leading efforts to develop a tsunami prediction system that leverages infrasound. The system is designed to detect infrasound waves generated by undersea earthquakes and provide early warnings for impending tsunamis. Compared to conventional seismometers and tsunami meters, this new system is expected to deliver faster and more accurate information.
Preparing for the Nankai Trough Earthquake
Experts estimate a 70% to 80% chance that a massive earthquake will occur along the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years. Such an event could trigger tsunamis exceeding 30 meters in height. In the face of such a large-scale disaster, an infrasound-based tsunami prediction system could become a crucial tool in prompting residents to evacuate quickly and safely.
Challenges and Future Prospects
To bring this technology into practical use, several challenges must be addressed, including the deployment of sensors and improving the precision of data analysis. However, overcoming these obstacles would pave the way for the system’s adoption in more regions. Furthermore, research is already underway to explore its application to other types of natural disasters.
Conclusion
The infrasound-based tsunami prediction system holds the potential to enable early warnings that were difficult to achieve with past technologies, providing a new means of safeguarding lives. Continued research and development are drawing increasing attention as the system moves closer to practical implementation.
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