SEATTLE, Wash. — Washington seismologists have proposed new earthquake sensors amid concerns about a lack of monitoring technology offshore.

Seismologists say a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake could occur at any time in Washington along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, but dozens of other faults could trigger other damaging quakes.

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

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