Marine Cable Hosted Observatory (MACHO) Project in Taiwan

Abstract

Taiwan is located in a junction corner between the Philippine sea plate and Eurasian plate. Because of active convergence, numerous earthquakes have taken place in and around Taiwan. On average, there are about two earthquakes greater than magnitude 6 each year and over 70% of earthquakes occurred in the offshore area. Because of the subduction of Philippine Sea Plate beneath the western end of the Ryukyu Arc and northern Taiwan, both the tectonics and seismic activity are intensive. The 2004 Sumatra earthquake has induced giant tsunami attacking coastal countries of South Asia. In a similar geodynamic context, the Sumatra event has aroused the attention of Taiwan government. Specialists from Taiwan earth scientists and ocean engineers have quickly teamed up to discuss the potential and mitigation of natural hazards from the western end of the Ryukyu subduction zone. To construct a submarine cable observatory off eastern Taiwan (MACHO project) was proposed. MACHO means a sea goddess who protects people at sea. The purpose of MACHO project has several folds. Firstly, the extension of seismic stations on land to offshore area can increase the resolution of earthquake relocating. Secondly, the extension of seismic stations may obtain tens of second before the destructing seismic waves arrive on land or tens of minute before the arrival of giant tsunami, which is helpful for earthquake or tsunami warning. Thirdly, the seafloor scientific station can monitor the active volcanoes in the Okinawa Trough, which is directly adjacent to the Ilan plain in northeastern Taiwan. Fourthly, the seafloor observatory can be used to continuously study the Kurosho current, off eastern Taiwan. The MACHO project has been granted for the fiscal year of 2007. The MACHO project is expected to be fulfilled in 2009.