Better seismometry, Quiet Earth, Thanks Coronavirus

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The COVID-19 lockdown measures in Brussels led to a significant reduction in human-induced seismic noise, decreasing by approximately one-third, as reported by a seismometer at the local observatory. This reduction has enhanced the sensitivity of the surface seismometer, making it comparable to a detector buried in a 100-meter borehole. The discussion highlights the impact of reduced human activity on seismic measurements, particularly noting that man-made noise does not significantly affect long-period seismic sensors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of seismic measurement techniques
  • Familiarity with seismometer technology, specifically surface and borehole sensors
  • Knowledge of the effects of anthropogenic noise on seismic data
  • Basic concepts of earthquake magnitude, particularly Mw scale
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the operational principles of surface vs. borehole seismometers
  • Explore the effects of urban noise on seismic data interpretation
  • Investigate the Mw6.5 earthquake event from Idaho, USA, and its seismic implications
  • Learn about advancements in seismology during the COVID-19 pandemic
USEFUL FOR

Seismologists, geophysicists, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in the effects of human activity on seismic measurements and earthquake monitoring.

Tom.G
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
5,661
Reaction score
4,507
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41...=social&utm_campaign=naturenews&sf232171849=1

Data from a seismometer at the observatory show that measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Brussels caused human-induced seismic noise to fall by about one-third...
The facility’s surface seismometer is now almost as sensitive to small quakes and quarry blasts as a counterpart detector buried in a 100-metre borehole...

Cheers,
Tom
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970, Dragrath, BillTre and 1 other person
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
Tom.G said:
I still have a large building site across the road from home that hasn't quietened down too much

it's easy to see the difference between daytime … noisy and the nights ... relatively quiet

E_W short period sensor...

Clipboard01.jpg
Man-made noise doesn't really affect the long period seismo

That's the Mw6.5 from Idaho, USA

20200331 M6.5 Idaho USA zhism.jpg
Dave
 
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: Dragrath, pinball1970 and Klystron

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K