Distributed network of laptop accelerometers used as seismic detector

We're often surprised by the unforeseen applications that emerge when lateral thinking is applied to new technology - and this is certainly one of them. The Quake-Catcher Network aims to create the world’s largest earthquake monitoring system by linking internet-connected computers. The key to the system is its ability to take advantage of Sudden Motion Sensors or Active Protection Systems that are already found in many recently manufactured laptop computers. Day-to-day, these sensors are designed to protect the computer's hard disk from vibration, but by running specially designed networking software they become a far-reaching, low-cost solution for a seismic detection and early earthquake warning system.

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