Google and social media have proven to be useful tools for seismologists. They can track and predict earthquakes using these tools.
Now, you can get more useful information about earthquakes with the announcement of Google in June that it partnered with the USGS to add in-depth information about earthquake to its search results page.
With it, you will know whether or not the rumbling is indeed an earthquake or just a huge truck passing by. This new feature will let you have timeline information so you can stay safe wherever you are.
To use it you can just type in “earthquakes near me” or something similar. Google will give you a summary of that quake found at the top of the search results page. You will know the intensity and where the quake started and what areas were affected. There are also tips given on how to keep safe in the aftermath of the event.
Google will also give you information about earthquakes within the last few months or years for you to compare. According to the US Geological Survey, this new feature will ensure that the quake information will get to the right people who need it.
The USGS and Google are hoping that with this feature, people can have easy access to the information that they need so they can stay safe during an earthquake. The tech giant can also benefit from it because its headquarters are in a high-risk zone.
How long before you see the data?
When an earthquake happens, the information about it will be posted seconds later. But only if the quake happens in the US. If it affected the other parts of the world, it could take up to 30 minutes to verify it.
Still, the “earthquake nearby” feature is a useful tool, and it can work globally. Currently, it is only available in English. If you turned off your location setting or you want to check another city, the feature will still provide you with the same information.
Since the information is found on the Internet, you can only view it if you have an Internet connection. Some are asking whether or not Google can create an app that gives users information about an earthquake without having to connect to the Internet. It may not be possible for now, but it may be a few years from now.
