Design of a prototype Tsunami Warning and Early Response system for Cyprus - TWERC

Described is the expansion of an existing and operational ocean observatory known as CYCOFOS (Cyprus Coastal Ocean Forecasting and Observing System), with a network of tsunami detection sensors. The expanded network will serve as the prototype Tsunami Warning and Early Response system of Cyprus (TWERC). The potential in Cyprus for extensive onshore destruction from a seismically generated tsunami is significant. Currently, the state of the art in tsunami detection is achieved with bottom pressure recorders (BPRs). One alternate approach utilizes GPS to measure vertical displacements of a buoy moored near shore in conjunction with fixed differential beacons on shore. More recently, algorithms have been developed that enable a GPS-equipped buoy to accurately detect a tsunami without the need of a nearby shore-based differential reference beacon, thereby extending the range of its moored distance to perhaps hundreds of kilometers from shore, providing more time to issue a warning. The existing CYCOFOS buoy provides a unique platform to evaluate this technique since it is capable of supporting both the conventional BPRs on the seafloor while simultaneously operating the GPS suite at the surface. The GPS-only method portends to improve the ability of coastal nations to protect their citizens from devastating tsunami through both reduction in complexity and cost compared with current techniques. This is particularly vital to the populations of developing countries. Detecting a tsunami is of practical use only if that information can be conveyed rapidly to the coastal inhabitants, and they know immediately what to do. Therefore, the TWERC project will also develop the framework for the capacity building required to alert the coastal population as well as develop and test a preliminary plan for educating both the resident and visitor population of Cyprus and the government decision makers who must implement the plan. The TWERC is aligned with the North East Atlantic and Mediterranean Tsunami Warning System (NEAMTWS).