Acoustic warning system for landslide prediction

British scientists at Loughborough University and British Geological Survey have developed a sensor system to predict landslides. The system works by measuring and analysing the acoustic behaviour of soil.

The detection system consists of a network of sensors buried across the hillside with known risk of collapse. Hence, sensors act as microphones in subsoil, and record the acoustic activity of the soil across the slope and each transmits a signal to a central computer for analysis.

The noise rates are proportional to those of soil movement, so increased acoustic emissions mean a slope is closer to failure. Once a certain noise rate is recorded, the system can send a warning, via a text message, to the authorities responsible for safety in the area.

"In just the same way as bending a stick creates cracking noises that build up until it snaps, so the movement of soil before a landslide creates increasing rates of noise," said Neil Dixon, professor of geotechnical engineering at Loughborough University and principal investigator on the project.

What we have been able to do that is new is capture and process this information so as to quantify the link between noise and soil displacement rates as it happens, in real time - and hence provide an early warning," professor Dixon added.

A commercially version of the system is expected to be launched in the next two years.

Details are available here.

More details about landsides in Europe are available here.