Earthquake Early Warning Using Distributed Low-Cost MEMS Sensors: A Case Study of the Aswan High Dam

Earthquake Early Warning Systems (EEWSs) are designed to detect the first signs of seismic shaking and send alerts before the strongest waves arrive. These alerts provide critical seconds for protective actions, mitigating damage, injuries, and fatalities. However, many earthquake-prone countries face challenges in implementing EEWSs because they rely on expensive, high-precision ground motion sensors that require significant investment. Low-cost Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors have emerged as a practical alternative, offering smaller size, lower cost, and reasonable accuracy for detecting ground vibrations. By deploying a large number of these sensors, it is possible to create a wide-area monitoring network at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems. This study proposes a distributed network of low-cost digital MEMS accelerometers in Egypt’s Aswan region, where the Aswan High Dam is a critical asset for water storage, energy production, and flood control. The system aims to enhance earthquake detection, provide timely warnings, and improve the protection of this vital infrastructure, while demonstrating a scalable and affordable solution for reducing seismic risk.