Stanford researchers show earthquake sensors tracked Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana
Stanford researchers just found out that earthquake sensors can do more than spot quakes: they can actually help track hurricanes too.
During Hurricane Isaac's landfall in Louisiana back in 2012, these sensors picked up tiny ground movements caused by changes in air pressure.
By combining data from seismic stations and special microphones, the team got a closer look at how hurricane winds interact with the ground, a tricky area for regular weather tools to measure.
Sensor network could improve hurricane forecasts
This approach could make hurricane forecasts much better by filling in gaps left by satellites and radar.
Because Hurricane Isaac happened to pass right over a network of these sensors, scientists were able to link ground shakes and air pressure changes to wind speeds near the surface.
Down the line, this could mean earlier warnings and better preparations when big storms head our way.