Sparkle signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) to leverage submarine fibre optic cables for real-time seismic monitoring in the Mediterranean. This collaboration, led by Sparkle CEO Enrico Bagnasco and INGV Chairman Carlo Doglioni, builds on two years of research into fibre-sensing techniques to detect earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural phenomena. The initiative aims to enhance civil protection capabilities, including tsunami warnings.
Sparkle’s 11,000-km Mednautilus cable system, stretching from Sicily across the eastern Mediterranean seabed at depths of up to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), has been used in initial experiments to measure seismic-induced changes in optical signal properties. Future studies will refine these techniques to identify mechanical disturbances more precisely. The MoU also includes collaboration with the National Underwater Dimension Pole (PNS) to further explore underwater technological innovations.
• Cable System: Mednautilus, 11,000 km, depth of 4,000 m (13,123 feet).
• Technology: Fibre-sensing techniques using signal phase and state of polarisation (SOP) data.
• Purpose: Tsunami and earthquake warnings; geophysical seabed monitoring.
• Partnerships: Includes collaboration with INGV and PNS in La Spezia.
• Conference: Findings presented at the June 2024 ‘Fibre Optic Sensing in Geosciences’ conference.
“As a research organisation in charge of real-time seismic and volcanic surveillance, INGV welcomes this agreement with Sparkle to advance observation and understanding of natural phenomena,” said Carlo Doglioni, Chairman of INGV.
