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Intro to Seismology with Raspberry Shake
The earth is ALWAYS moving.. even if we can't feel it
Seismology is the study of how the ground moves
Key Terms
Seismic/Seismicity: Describes ground motion waves and the instruments measuring these motions
Seismograph: A device that measures and records seismic movement
Geologic Fault: A fracture, or break, in the earth’s crust
Seismic Wave: Acoustic energy that moves through the earth’s layers (the crust, mantle and the inner/outer core)
Geophone: An environmental sensor that detects vibrations in the ground
How do earthquakes (and other seismicity) work?
Think of the ripple when you drop a rock in the water. Earthquakes are very similar
The release of energy in or on top of the earth can create low-frequency acoustic energy waves, known as seismic waves.
The waves are not only on the surface, but also go throughout the earth’s interior.
There are different types of seismicity
Understanding how the earth moves is important
Earthquakes can be devastating, but understanding the and knowing how to prepare for them can greatly reduce their risk.
Seismologists, scientists who study seismic events, help engineers, architects, and governments to mitigate earthquake risk.
Measuring Seismicity
The measurement of seismicity is done with seismometers.
Most record data with a suspended mass attached to a fixed base. When the earth shakes, the base moves and the mass does not.
Seismographs do not only measure earthquakes. All ground vibrations are “heard” by the sensors. Traffic, thunder, construction, even footsteps can be detected and measured
Seismograph
The Raspberry Shake Seismograph
How Does it Work?
Geophone
Digitizer
Analog Data
Digital Data
The Raspberry Shake Network
Global Connectivity:
Local Connectivity:
Detect Earthquakes… and more!
Practice: Explore the Raspberry Shake Network!
Get out a computer and go to: