Illustrated Guide To Reading A Seismogram (USGS) - IRIS

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Seismograms: Illustrated Guide to Reading a Seismogram (USGS)

4min 26s Novice

Used with permission from: U.S. Geological Survey Resource Files
  • Animation
Download Animation 88MB Optional Files 1
  • Background—How to read a seismogram

Ever wondered how to read the data on a seismogram?

This playful animation created for the general public by the USGS describes what a seismogram is, how they are recorded and what to look for in the seismic traces recorded on a seismometer.

Seismometers measure vibrations. More vibration = more wiggle. Some seismometers measure only up and down. Sometimes, they shake too much and data are off-scale. Some seismometers record in all three dimensions. Many webicorders display 15 minutes per line, alternating colors as time passes. Plots are automatically updated every few minutes.

This animation was used with permission from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and can also be downloaded from their site.

Keypoints:

Seismometers record anything that can make the ground vibrate:

  • Earthquakes,
  • Explosions,
  • Helicopters,
  • Ocean waves,
  • Traffic and trains
  • People and animals
  • Wind.

Tag » How To Read A Seismograph