SMART Cables - Expanding Global Seafloor Observation and Monitoring

Summary

This document outlines the vision and ongoing progress of Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunication (SMART) Cables, which integrate geophysical and oceanographic sensors into existing global submarine telecom cables. Leveraging the current 1.4 million km network with repeaters every 70 km, SMART Cables aim to provide real-time data to address the lack of deep ocean sensing. The initiative, supported by 170 members from over 30 countries and UN agencies, seeks to improve climate and ocean models, enhance tsunami and earthquake early warning systems, and contribute to UN 2030 SDGs. A wet demo launched in December 2023 off Sicily at 2100m depth successfully tested the technology, with major projects like the 3,700-km Portugal CAM Ring planned for deployment in 2025, promising over 30 minutes gain in tsunami early warning for certain regions.

Key Facts

Source Document

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