Earthquakes have long been feared as natural disasters that occur with no advance warning. But a different detection methodology is hoping to change that.

Actually making a prediction of a probable earthquake on the way is a risky proposition, admits Tom Bleier (left),  the man behind Quakefinder. So he's committed to sharing that information directly and quietly with emergency officials, and will let them determine what, if anything, they want to make public.

Quakefinder's network of sensors recently added one, on private land in Wikiup. Their full array of locations is shown on the map below, along with a typical  sopilar-powered sensor (photo courtesy of Bay Citizen).