A scientist in California is trying to recruit at least ten thousand laptop users to provide an early warning system for earthquakes. The technology is already built into laptops in the form of motion detectors and these can be used as seismographs. The accelerometer in the laptop would detect tremors and allow the 'quake catchers' to send the information back to a central computer.

In the case of the recent Haiti quake, the extra couple of minutes warning that could have been provided by such a system could have saved thousands of lives. A large network of computers linked together could provide that extra early warning system.

A large number of readings from one area would pinpoint an area, (as distinct from a dropped laptop), and warnings could be sent out instantly and very cheaply. California is said to be overdue for what is known as the 'big quake' and there are sensors in various locations but they are few and very expensive to operate and install. A network of laptops in the area could provide extra early warning protection.

Future earthquake safety could depend on technology that is already in place and according to Elizabeth Cochran of the University of California recruitment has been very successful so far.

For more information or to participate, visit the Quake Catcher's Network where you can "Download the software and join the network!"