MyShake

When Professional Seismic Monitoring Meets Crowdsourced Data

Most earthquake tracking services rely on expensive, centralized networks of professional seismometers. MyShake, developed by the UC Berkeley Seismological Laboratory, takes a fundamentally different approach by transforming everyday smartphones into a distributed network of motion sensors. This app doesn't just deliver earthquake alerts—it actively participates in scientific data collection, turning your device into a node in a global seismic monitoring system.

How the Crowdsourced Detection System Works

The core mechanism behind MyShake is elegantly simple yet scientifically rigorous. The app continuously accesses your phone's built-in gyroscope to measure minute vibrations. When it detects movement that matches seismic patterns, it doesn't immediately trigger an alert. Instead, it cross-references the data by pooling readings from every other device running MyShake within the same geographic area. Only when a statistically significant number of devices report similar vibration patterns does the system classify the event as a potential earthquake. This consensus-based validation process effectively filters out false positives from everyday activities like walking, driving, or dropping your phone.

Dual-Purpose Utility: Personal Awareness and Scientific Contribution

The app serves two distinct but complementary functions. On the personal level, it provides real-time notifications about seismic activity in your area, giving you critical seconds to seek cover during an earthquake. On the scientific level, every device running MyShake contributes to a larger dataset used by researchers to calculate earthquake magnitudes on the Richter scale. The more devices actively participating, the more accurate and faster the detection network becomes. This creates a virtuous cycle where your usage directly improves the system's performance for everyone.

Key Features at a Glance

• Real-time gyroscope-based vibration monitoring
• Crowdsourced data validation across devices
• Instant earthquake magnitude calculations
• No ads or disruptive marketing

We Recommend Downloading MyShake

If you live in a seismically active region or simply want to contribute to meaningful scientific research, consider installing MyShake. It requires minimal battery impact and runs silently in the background, only activating when it detects potential seismic activity. The app's dual role as both a personal safety tool and a research instrument makes it a unique addition to any earthquake preparedness strategy.

Heads up: The app requires an active internet connection for data validation and alert delivery. Some advanced features, like detailed seismic maps and historical data exports, may require in-app purchases.