Chasing Quakes

Europe has experienced catastrophic earthquakes – even though the 'old continent' is not the most notorious region on Earth for strong quakes, the danger from below is very real.

Autumn 2016 tragedy strikes north-central Italy. A series of four earthquakes cracks a mountain and flattens a historic town. As soon as the first quake strikes, scientists are fast on the scene to take real-time measurements in an unfolding geological drama. And so they catch the following earthquake in the act – a seismologist’s Holy Grail...

We hear first-hand accounts from the communities, and meet the scientists trying to learn what they can from these latest events. We’ll see how seismologists use state-of-the-art satellite and sensing technology. From archaeology to space tech – every tool is needed to collect the data that will unlock the secrets of our restless planet. Yet, even if we can predict the immense forces in the underground, we still have to learn to live with them. At Europe’s leading test facility we see the latest quakeproof houses and materials under scrutiny. But the best preparations cannot ready people for the experience and aftermath of a major seismic event. And the next one could happen at any time.