Predict an earthquake? NASA needs you, is giving away $ 25,000

Researchers have been looking into the causes of distinct ultra-low frequency EMPs emanating from the ground near earthquake epicentres in the weeks leading up to some moderate and large events. One theory suggests that fracturing rock in the Earth’s crust creates an electrical charge pulse that travels to the land surface and manifests itself as a small change in the local magnetic field.

However, there are a number of natural and human-made electromagnetic ‘noise’ sources, such as solar storms, commuter trains, and traffic, that can mask or mimic EMPs and could be associated with earthquakes.The ‘Quest for Quakes’ two-week algorithm challenge aimed to develop new software codes or algorithms to search through data on EMPs. Some researchers have suggested such pulses, originating from the ground near earthquake epicentres, could signal the onset of some quakes.

“Developing a reliable approach that can separate potential earthquake-induced electromagnetic pulses from the myriad of natural and anthropogenic sources has been a significant challenge,” said Craig Dobson, program scientist at Nasa Headquarters in Washington. “We look forward to seeing the innovative ideas from this competition and learning more about this controversial phenomenon.”

The challenge opened for registration on Tuesday and competitors are asked to submit entries from Monday, July 27 at 1 pm ET through Monday, Aug. 9 at 1 pm ET.