SISMOVEGA: From the 1829 Torrevieja Earthquake to Real-Time Fiber-Optic Monitoring in the Vega Baja del Segura Region (SE Spain)

The Vega Baja del Segura region (southeastern Iberian Peninsula) is one of the areas with the highest seismic risk in Spain, as demonstrated by the destructive 1829 Torrevieja earthquake and recurrent seismic activity associated with the Eastern Betic Shear Zone. Despite this hazard, the spatial and temporal evolution of active deformation and microseismicity in the region remains poorly constrained due to the limited density of conventional seismic instrumentation. Here we present SISMOVEGA: Seismic Analysis of the Vega Baja del Segura using Fiber Optics and Laser Technology, a new initiative aimed at transforming existing telecommunication fiber-optic infrastructure into a large-scale seismic observatory using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). The project will deploy DAS technology along tens of kilometers of existing fiber-optic cables to continuously monitor seismic wavefields with high spatial resolution in a densely populated and tectonically active region. SISMOVEGA seeks to investigate whether dense DAS observations can reveal subtle spatiotemporal patterns associated with active crustal deformation and potential earthquake preparatory processes, including microseismicity, transient deformation-related signals, fault-zone responses, and changes in ambient seismic noise. One of the long-term goals of the initiative is to evaluate the potential of fiber-optic monitoring to contribute to future real-time seismic monitoring and operational earthquake forecasting frameworks capable of detecting evolving seismic unrest with unprecedented spatial detail. The project also explores the integration of DAS observations with complementary geophysical and environmental datasets to better characterize seismic signals in urban and agricultural environments. Beyond its scientific objectives, SISMOVEGA incorporates a strong immersive outreach and science communication component designed to use fiber-optic sensing and earthquake monitoring as a platform to engage local communities, schools, and young students with Earth science and natural hazards. The initiative includes the development of interactive educational activities and field-based experiences aimed at increasing awareness of seismic risk while illustrating how emerging sensing technologies can help better understand and monitor the dynamic Earth. By combining cutting-edge DAS monitoring with community-oriented engagement, SISMOVEGA aims to establish a long-term open platform for collaborative fiber-optic seismology in southeastern Spain while strengthening the connection between geophysical research, education, and society.