Caltech Researchers Develop Novel Seismic Method to Measure Soil Moisture

New technique uses traffic vibrations to monitor underground water levels in real-time, offering critical insights for water management.

Innovative method leverages seismic technology to measure soil moisture in the vadose zone.
Technique uses vibrations from everyday traffic, analyzed through fiber-optic cables, to detect moisture levels.
Study reveals significant moisture loss in California's Mojave Desert during the 2019-2022 drought.
Real-time data collection can aid in optimizing agricultural practices and water conservation.
Research funded by Caltech's Resnick Sustainability Institute, highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration.