SEATTLE (AP) - Washington state seismologists have proposed new earthquake sensors amid concerns about a lack of monitoring technology offshore.

KOMO-TV reported Thursday that state seismologists submitted the proposal to the International Ocean Drilling Program to add four new sensors a thousand feet (three-hundred meters) below the ocean floor.

Seismologists say a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake could occur at any time in western Washington along the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Seismologists say there is a 15% chance a massive earthquake could strike in the next 50 years, but dozens of other faults could trigger other damaging quakes.

Scientists say the monitoring project could take multiple stages, millions of dollars and several years to complete after first gaining approval.

Scientists say the project is expected to monitor earthquakes and tsunamis.

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Information from: KOMO-TV, http://www.komotv.com/

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