Project Overview
Earthquake surface ruptures provide critical insights into fault behavior, rupture mechanics, and seismic hazards. This project develops an innovative multi-UAV system capable of providing ultra-high-resolution (5 mm) mapping data over large areas, enabling rapid response mapping for earthquake events and detailed analysis of fault zone characteristics.
Research Objectives
- Develop autonomous multi-UAV coordination algorithms for large-area mapping
- Achieve millimeter-scale precision in surface rupture documentation
- Create rapid response protocols for post-earthquake mapping
- Quantify displacement patterns and rupture complexity
- Advance understanding of fault zone architecture and mechanics
Technical Innovation
Our multi-UAV system represents a significant advancement in geological mapping technology:
- Swarm Intelligence: Coordinated autonomous navigation and data collection
- High-Resolution Imaging: Sub-centimeter pixel resolution across kilometers
- Real-Time Processing: On-board data fusion and preliminary analysis
- Adaptive Sampling: Dynamic mission planning based on terrain complexity
- Multi-Sensor Integration: RGB, multispectral, and LiDAR capabilities
Study Areas
Southern San Andreas Fault - Salton Sea Region:
Our primary focus area includes the Southern San Andreas Fault near the Salton Sea, a seismically active region with high earthquake potential. This area provides an ideal testbed for our mapping technologies and offers opportunities to study fault zone evolution in real-time.
Additional Target Areas:
- San Jacinto Fault Zone
- Garlock Fault System
- Eastern California Shear Zone
- International collaboration sites (Turkey, Chile, New Zealand)
Rapid Response Capabilities
A key innovation of this project is the development of rapid response protocols that can be deployed within hours of a significant earthquake event:
- Pre-positioned equipment at strategic locations
- Automated mission planning based on preliminary rupture estimates
- Real-time data transmission to emergency response centers
- Integration with existing monitoring networks
Applications & Impact
- Enhanced earthquake hazard assessment and early warning systems
- Improved understanding of fault rupture processes
- Critical data for infrastructure damage assessment
- Support for emergency response and recovery operations
- Contributions to earthquake science and fault mechanics research
Collaboration & Funding
This project is a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions including Caltech, USGS, and international partners. Funding support comes from NSF, NASA, and USGS research programs focused on natural hazards and disaster response.