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The Barcelona Supercomputing Center – National Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) has introduced an innovative initiative that will position MareNostrum 5 as the first European supercomputer capable of simulating the impact of natural disasters—specifically earthquakes—under real conditions. This test will take place during the National Earthquake Drill in Mexico, scheduled for September 19.
The purpose of this initiative is to develop an urgent computing protocol that optimizes the response to extreme natural phenomena, contributing to the reduction of their devastating effects. Through collaborations with Mexico’s National Seismological Service (SSN), simulations will be generated based on real seismic alert data, such as the epicenter and magnitude of earthquakes. This collaboration will enable the creation of high-resolution maps in the minutes following an earthquake, facilitating the identification of the most vulnerable regions and, consequently, accelerating the response of rescue teams and civil protection services.
Marisol Monterrubio Velasco, a researcher at BSC and the scientific lead of the trial, has emphasized the importance of this research, stating that the results can provide crucial information for the initial response actions to disasters. During the drill, a scenario similar to the devastating earthquake of 1985, which had a significant impact on Mexican society, will be recreated.
The event will also include a test of the national alert system via mobile phones, aiming to evacuate more than 80 million people to safe areas. This action is part of an effort to improve emergency response capabilities in large-scale emergencies.
The project represents a crucial advance in the field of supercomputing in Europe, as it establishes operational frameworks that allow for effective prioritization and response to emergencies, unlike previous simulations such as the La Palma eruption in 2021.
To carry out the simulation, BSC has allocated 55 GPU nodes from MareNostrum 5, achieving coverage of a grid measuring 700 km x 400 km at a depth of 150 km with a resolution of 2 km. This will allow for urgent computing requests in a critical context, setting a new standard in the response capabilities of supercomputing centers.
Sergi Girona, Operations Director and CIO of BSC, has highlighted that the system can automatically interrupt ongoing processes during critical situations, thereby prioritizing urgent tasks. This approach aims not only to mitigate risks from natural disasters but also to strengthen community resilience against emergencies such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods.
In addition, BSC has a strong track record in projects related to extreme natural phenomena and collaborates with the Military Emergency Unit to create a digital twin for emergencies, which will include earthquake simulations, thus enhancing preparedness and response capabilities for disasters.
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Source: MiMub in Spanish