Nanometrics is proud to announce its pivotal collaboration in enabling Alcatel Submarine Networks' (ASN) groundbreaking SMART (Scientific Monitoring and Reliable Telecommunications) Cable solution. This technology will play a critical role in monitoring seismic activity and other environmental conditions, contributing to disaster preparedness and scientific research. As part of the project, Nanometrics’ engineers integrated its trusted seismic instrumentation into the ASN SMART Cable Climate Change node (CC-node). The CC-node, a critical component of the SMART Cable system, is an innovative, dedicated module integrated along the submarine cable and designed for deployment on the seafloor. The SMART Cable System from ASN will enhance global connectivity and enable real-time environmental data collection, seamlessly integrating scientific and climate change monitoring capabilities and new subsea telecom systems.
ASN SMART Cable Empowering Scientific Discovery
ASN, a global leader in subsea telecommunication with an installed base of over 750,000 km of optical submarine cables worldwide, has been contracted to design, manufacture, and deploy two SMART Cable projects in 2026. To enable their SMART Cable, ASN sought a partner to collaborate with for a seismic instrumentation solution for their CC-node. With almost four decades of seismic solution experience, Nanometrics brought expertise in innovative ocean bottom seismic solutions and proven technology capable of capturing high-precision seismic data covering a wide dynamic range.
Seismic Technology that Unveils the Ocean's Secrets
Our team of engineers worked closely with ASN to customize and integrate our advanced seismic technologies to meet ASN requirements and to fit within the confines of their CC-node. The seismic instrumentation integrated into the CC-node are:
- Titan Accelerometer: Nanometrics’ high-performance accelerometers, renowned for their exceptional accuracy in capturing ground motion on land and on the ocean floor
- Pegasus Digitizer: This robust data acquisition system ensures comprehensive seismic data collection, providing researchers with a wealth of information to analyze.
- Trillium Compact OBS Module: Designed specifically for ocean bottom deployment, these compact yet powerful seismometers deliver precise measurements even in the harshest subsea conditions.
The result is that the CC-node benefits from the widest dynamic range achievable in the instrumentation’s compact form factor as well as its ultra-low power consumption, making it ideal to simultaneously serve the needs of the scientific community while establishing real time seismic sensing backbone for earthquake early warning applications.
A New Era of Oceanographic Research
The potential of this collaboration is immense. The first CC-Node deployment will represent a significant milestone in subsea monitoring and real-time data acquisition from remote oceanic regions. Real-time monitoring of seismic activity will advance our understanding of plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and the Earth's internal structure. The early detection of earthquakes, tsunamis and other underwater events will enhance disaster preparedness and potentially save countless lives. The continuous collection of environmental data will unlock invaluable insights into the ocean's complex ecosystems and the impact of climate change.
Fostering a Sustainable Future
At Nanometrics, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. Reflecting on the recent announcement, Ian Talbot, Nanometrics’ Chief Executive Officer, stated “This collaboration with ASN on the Climate Change Node exemplifies our commitment to developing innovative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future. By empowering the collection of critical data from the huge swaths of ocean floor that is currently unmonitored, we are playing a vital role in protecting our planet and ensuring its well-being for generations to come."
