The STB system consists of three subsystems: a surface communications buoy, a buoy mooring, and a bottom pressure recorder. The bottom pressure recorder includes a highly accurate sea floor pressure sensor which can detect earthquakes and sea level changes. Acoustic communications transmits the bottom sensed pressure data to the surface buoy which then relays the data by satellite communications to the Tsunami Warning Center for analysis. Once processed, the data can provide real-time assessments of whether or not a tsunami has formed due to seismic events or other forcing such as an underwater mudslide.
"Once deployed, the STB will be a key sensor in providing early assessment of possible destructive tsunamis in one of the most seismically active regions of the world," said Tom Baybrook, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager. "We look forward to continuing to deliver reliable and technologically sound tsunami assessment systems to support a global integrated tsunami warning network."
About SAIC
SAIC is a FORTUNE 500 scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company's approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. SAIC had annual revenues of $10.1 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009.