Abstract

Natural hazard prediction and efficient crustal exploration benefit from densely designed surveys. Seismological techniques provide ground-motion data, while active seismics aims at structural imaging and increasingly on physical properties determination. Dense networks exist on some volcanoes and in exploration plays, but not in urban areas where data acquisition is more challenging. We demonstrate that dynamic strain determination is now possible with conventional fibre- optic cables deployed for telecommunication. This is a new tool for earthquake location or for crustal exploration using unexpected sources. Thereby, this method provides key records for understanding subsurface dynamics, especially in urban areas.

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