PASADENA (CBS) — The California Institute of Technology in Pasadena was awarded $2 million to develop a prototype earthquake early warning system, the school announced Tuesday.

The grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation will allow Caltech seismologists, in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey, to study the science of earthquakes while creating a system to give the public as much time as possible — most likely seconds to several minutes — to prepare before the ground begins to shake.

An early detection system “has the potential to save thousands of lives and millions of dollars in the event of an earthquake, and we feel it is important to resolve any scientific questions that could stand in the way of implementing such a system,” said Cyndi Atherton, program director for science programs at the foundation.

Caltech will receive the grant money over three years, Atherton said.

The Moore Foundation describes itself as dedicated to advancing environmental conservation and scientific research around the world.