Acoustic Shield May Protect Cities from Earthquake Damage

French scientists are testing ways to use refraction (i.e. changing the direction of vibrations) in order to shield large cities from earthquakes.   Image © wikimedia

Above: 1755 copper engraving depicting Lisbon in ruins and in flames after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which killed an estimated 60,000 people. A tsunami overwhelms the ships in the harbor.

While the process is still experimental and theoretical, the early indications are positive for the mitigation of earthquake damage.  The only catch: the massive force and vibration has to go somewhere.  But the process may prove useful in cities such as Los Angeles, where there is a nearby desert.

More information is available at Engadget.