Japanese researchers utilized the world's fastest computer to create a predictive AI tool for tsunami patterns so people could have proper preparation before massive flooding happens en route to a towering tidal wave.
A Look Back To Japan's History With Tsunamis
The tsunami came from the Japanese words "tsu," which means a harbor or a port, while "nami" means wave. So fusing the two can create a wave to the port, hence a tidal wave that we all know. It is important to know that Japan is located in the "Pacific Ring of Fire," where seismic activities often occur.
According to an article written on Maps Of World in 2017, 90 percent of earth-related activities hit Japan. Furthermore, 75% of the volcanoes that fall under the most active and dormant type also lie in the region. Tsunamis happen when the tectonic plates collide, which abruptly develops underwater earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
A throwback moment from 2011 triggered the famed "Great Sendai Earthquake" or the "Great Tōhoku Earthquake" to happen. Strong tremors led to a destructive tsunami quake, which claimed at least 20,000 lives. The majority of the victims have reportedly died due to drowning.
Through a series of devastating disasters that happened over the past years, a group of researchers decided to devise a tool to mitigate tsunamis threats affecting Japan. An AI model was made to predict tsunami activities in real-time.
Supercomputer Creates 20,000 Possible Tsunami Scenarios For The Test
In a report by New Atlas, the researching team from the Earthquake Research Institute of the University of Tokyo and Tohoku University in Fujitsu collaborated on the AI tool, which will generate 20,000 tsunami scenarios that could possibly happen.
The tool used the data comparisons of the waveform from the past tsunamis that happen to the current conditions. Through the algorithm involved in the process, the AI can now make predictions resulting from the tsunami with spatial support. Most importantly, it can predict the patterns in real-time.
For the model, a Japanese supercomputer Fugaku, which is still today's fastest supercomputer, was used for the training. Meanwhile, the model can also be used on PC, and it could perform predictions on the waveform data that could take as fast as seconds.
Moreover, with regards to the impacts of earthquakes and tsunamis in Tokyo Bay, numerous simulations have been carried out, showing accurate results. It is also found out that the flood modeling established by the Cabinet Office of Japan suited with the real-time prediction.
If you are using a typical personal computer, you can make use of the tool. The researchers wanted the tool to be used by a team with expertise in disaster risk management. Meanwhile, the predictions' accuracy will warn people ahead of the possible tsunami incident, so they have more time to prepare before it occurs.
In the future, people could precisely predict other disasters like typhoons and earthquakes to help in disaster preparedness. Someday, AI technology could take over the world through correct predictions, which will still be made possible with humans' knowledge.
For more information about the study, visit the official site of Fujitsu, and don't forget to keep in touch with Tech Times for more updates about technology.
