TREEMOR: Bio-Seismic Sensing and Planetary Infrasound Resonance — A Nine-Parameter Forest-Based Framework for Earthquake Detection
Abstract
TREEMOR (TREe-based Earth MOtion Resonance) introduces a novel interdisciplinary framework that transforms forests into distributed, large-scale seismic and infrasonic sensing systems. This research establishes a nine-parameter biomechanical model — the Forest Seismic Intelligence Nonet (FSIN) — integrating structural dynamics, root-soil coupling, atmospheric interaction, and biological response mechanisms to detect seismic and infrasonic events. The system leverages trees as natural cantilever beam oscillators capable of responding to seismic P-waves, S-waves, and atmospheric infrasound. A composite metric, the Tree Seismic Sensitivity Index (TSSI), is introduced to quantify detection performance based on physical and environmental parameters. Validation across 847 seismic events (M0.5–M7.8) demonstrates detection accuracy exceeding 91.7% for events above magnitude 3.5 within a 200 km radius, with P-wave lead times ranging from 8 to 15 seconds. The framework also supports volcanic monitoring, explosion detection, and hybrid integration with existing seismic networks. TREEMOR bridges geophysics, plant biomechanics, and artificial intelligence, offering a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional seismic infrastructure, with potential applications in global early warning systems and environmental monitoring.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Seismic Waves and Analysis
Tree Root and Stability Studies
Seismology and Earthquake Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 23 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Preprint