There's a lot of information in the ocean that isn't being tapped to its fullest. For example, sensors on the sea floor, could be capable of sending signals directly to those in the disaster's path adding precious seconds to response times.

Associate professor of Electrical engineering Tommaso Melodia envisions submarine Wi-Fie devices that are capable of sending emergency alerts to smartphones and laptops.

Melodia has developed submersible sensors which can communicate directly with Wi-Fi-enabled devices using audio signals that are transmitted through water. The "telesonar modems" have already passed their first underwater test.

Read more about it here:

University at Buffalo, via Phys.org Credit: Bob Dobolina