May 27, 2025
Fiber optic cable isn't just a medium for high-speed digital connectivity — it's also emerging as a powerful tool for scientific research. At the University of Oklahoma, Information Technology infrastructure is being put to work in the study of seismic activity and severe weather.
OU IT is partnering with Dr. Hao Hu, Assistant Professor of Geosciences, and Graduate Assistant Eddie Rauk to leverage the university's existing fiber optic network to analyze seismic events and track tornadoes in the surrounding region.
The technology works by monitoring light traveling through the fiber to detect subtle movements in the ground. These disturbances can help researchers locate and track tornadoes as they move across the landscape. Dr. Hu and Rauk are currently in the process of calibrating the system, recording and filtering out "noise" from everyday sources like trains and large trucks crossing over the fiber lines to isolate genuine seismic data.
“Once this is all built and working, they are hopeful that any tornado that hits within 15 kilometers should be trackable by this system,” said OU IT Project Analyst Robert Kintopp.
The research team is also drawing on historical data. "Utilizing data from the last 15 years, the goal is to try and hit a pathway towards Lawton, with a second line to Velma, Elma, or Wynnewood," Kintopp added.
Where OU's fiber network ends, the team isn't stopping. OU IT is actively working with external providers to expand access to a wider range of laid fiber, extending the reach of the research network into key areas of interest.
In April, the team moved the DAS system to the Indian Nations Fiber Optic (INFO) cable, so they are now capturing data south down I-35, with some additional country roads that head towards Lindsey. The hope is to add the second system to two additional INFO fibers that will allow them to track a path to Chickasha along 44 and to 240 in southwest OKC.
The collaboration is a great example of how technology and academia are working together at OU. "This is a great story on how OU IT is helping and partnering with researchers on campus," said Dave Anderson, OU IT Network and Telecommunications Director.
OU IT is supporting research on data tracking seismic activity to improve tornado research in Oklahoma.
The OU Academic Tech Expo is a collaborative event to enhance interdisciplinary tech use, inside and outside the classroom.
The OU Academic Tech Expo is a collaborative event to enhance interdisciplinary tech use and effectiveness, inside and outside the classroom.
