Public Announcement of Earthquake Early Warning Signal via IoT Devices in the Marmara Region

Earthquake Early Warning Systems (EEWS) are systems designed to detect earthquakes at the earliest possible moment and issue warnings by assessing whether the detected earthquake is likely to cause significant damage. The branches of the North Anatolian Fault, which were expected to produce a major earthquake but remained unruptured during the August 17, 1999 earthquake, are predominantly located in the Sea of Marmara and have been seismically quiet for an extended period.
The geographic limitations of seismic networks present significant challenges to traditional Earthquake Early Warning Systems (EEWS). For instance, in-land seismic events, such as those originating in the Sea of Marmara, often generate strong ground motions along coastal areas, complicating the determination of source locations. Global studies demonstrate that integrating array methodologies into EEWS—particularly through the deployment of small-aperture arrays in strategic locations—can effectively address these challenges. Such enhancements significantly improve the capabilities of traditional seismic networks, especially in regions with sparse station coverage or areas outside the optimal range of existing networks.
This study focuses on the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for delivering Earthquake Early Warning Signals in the Marmara Region, a high-seismic-risk area. IoT technology enables real-time data collection and rapid dissemination of warnings, overcoming some limitations of traditional seismic networks. By improving coverage and communication speed, IoT-based systems offer a more efficient approach to earthquake preparedness. This paper discusses the framework, implementation, and challenges of integrating IoT devices into existing warning systems, highlighting their potential to enhance public safety and reduce earthquake-related risks.