PHIVOLCS Faultfinder
The Philippines, situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, undoubtedly experiences a tremendous number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Geographically positioned along major tectonic plates' boundaries, it's understandable why the Philippines witnesses approximately 20 earthquakes per day and is home to numerous fault lines, including the West Valley Fault.
What is a fault line?
While fault lines and plate tectonics are related concepts, they represent different aspects of Earth's geology and seismic activity. Plate Tectonics is the broader theory explaining the movement and interactions of Earth's lithospheric plates, including the formation and activity of fault lines at plate boundaries. In contrast, fault lines are specific features within Earth's crust where movement occurs. When stress builds up along these lines, it can cause rocks to break and slip, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves, resulting in earthquakes. Fault lines vary in length, depth, and orientation and are often associated with geological features like mountains, valleys, and rift zones. Studying fault lines is crucial for understanding seismic hazards, earthquake risk assessment, and implementing preventive measures for disaster preparedness and mitigation.
This is where the PHIVOLCS Faultfinder proves invaluable, assisting you in locating the distance of fault lines within your area and preparing for potential disasters and damages.
What is PHIVOLCS Faultfinder?
The PHIVOLCS Faultfinder is an application developed for proximity searches of active fault lines. This app is a collaborative effort between DOST-PHIVOLCS, the Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ), and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) Japan. It was developed by Dr. Joel C. Bandibas of GSJ in cooperation with the research and development personnel of DOST-PHIVOLCS. Released in 2016, this app revolutionized active fault assessment in the country, providing the public with an accessible and user-friendly gateway to accurate active fault information. This recognition led the Development Academy of the Philippines to award DOST-PHIVOLCS the Center of Excellence in Public Sector Productivity under the categories of Innovation and Productivity Initiatives: e-Government Leadership and Innovation Leadership.
How does it work?
The PHIVOLCS FaultFinder is used to pinpoint active fault positions within a region and determine the closest distance between an active fault and the user's current location, identified through the gadget's tracking system. It also calculates the shortest distance between an active fault and a designated site chosen by the user. This application is essential for land-use planning, risk assessment, disaster risk reduction planning, and raising awareness.
To navigate through PHIVOLCS Faultfinder and locate the nearest fault line:
Initially, the application offers three (3) base maps sourced from the Philippines Geoportal by NAMRIA, Google Maps, and Openstreet.
For users in or seeking information about active faults in the Philippines, the initial screen prompts to select either "Valley Fault System (VFS)" or "Other Fault Systems."
To determine the proximity of your current location to the nearest fault, activate your gadget's tracking device and select either "VFS Fault Nearest You" or "Active Fault Nearest You." Alternatively, choose the "Active Fault Based on Location" tab to determine the distance from a Barangay to the nearest active fault or opt for "Double Click a Place on the Map" and double-click your cursor on your area of interest.
To switch between maps, click "Base Maps" located at the upper right corner of the map. Click "Legend" positioned at the lower right corner to view the legend.
With the PHIVOLCS Faultfinder tool, we can now assess local safety and readiness for potential earthquakes. By analyzing hazards and earthquake risks near fault lines, we can proactively plan preventive measures to minimize potential damage. This tool is invaluable for both building and landowners, enabling them to develop preventive strategies and adhere to relevant government regulations concerning earthquake preparedness, thereby reducing disaster risk and promoting informed land-use planning. Access the app on Google Playstore for Android devices or search for "PHIVOLCS Faultfinder" for compatibility with laptops, desktops, and iOS devices. Check the provided link for easy access!
Interested in determining if your property meets government regulations for earthquake readiness? Consider investing in a reliable earthquake monitoring device to ensure the safety of your residents and property starting today!