Some comments on wireless sensor networks for natural hazards

Abstract

Presently, the urgency of creating efficient system to tackle natural hazards such as tsunamis, earthquakes, landslides and floods to cite just a few, have originated that Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) play an increasingly important role in the natural hazards scenario as an efficient early warning system, sometimes in synergy with satellites-GMES (Global Monitoring Earth Systems) and also with mobile robotics. Their integration into the web scenario, giving rise to the sensor-web technology, provides even more power to the intrinsic strengths of WSNs. The WSNs application in post-disaster scenarios is also an emerging challenging issue. In this paper the fundamental technology concepts of WSNs are sketched; their application to some important natural hazards as earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis are described and relevant projects in these fields are reported. Also, some comments on the potential of the synergy of mobile robotics with WSNs are included.