What do seismometers seismographs detect?
What do seismometers seismographs detect?
A seismograph, or seismometer, is an instrument used to detect and record earthquakes. Generally, it consists of a mass attached to a fixed base. During an earthquake, the base moves and the mass does not. The motion of the base with respect to the mass is commonly transformed into an electrical voltage.
What is the meaning of seismometers?
A seismometer is the internal part of the seismograph, which may be a pendulum or a mass mounted on a spring; however, it is often used synonymously with “seismograph”. Seismographs are instruments used to record the motion of the ground during an earthquake.
How do seismometers work?
An instrument sensitive to tiny movements in the ground. A seismometer is a device that is sensitive to vibrations. It works on the principle of a pendulum: a heavy, inert mass with a certain resistance to movement (i.e. inertia) due to its weight is suspended from a frame by a spring that allows movement.
Why is a seismograph important?
A seismometer, or seismograph, is a device that geologists use to measure and record seismic waves. By studying these recordings, scientists can map the earth’s interior, and they can measure or locate earthquakes and other ground motions.
What’s the definition of protract?
transitive verb. 1 : to prolong in time or space : continue. 2 : to extend forward or outward — compare retract sense 1.
Where are seismometers placed?
A seismograph is an instrument for measuring earthquake (seismic) waves. They are held in a very solid position, either on the bedrock or on a concrete base.
What is the importance of seismograph?
How do you read seismograph data?
The seismogram is “read” like a book, from left to right and top to bottom (this is the direction that time increases). As with a book, the right end of any horizontal line “connects” with the left end of the line below it. Each line represents 15 minutes of data; four lines per hour.
Why is the seismograph so important?
A modern seismograph can help scientists detect earthquakes and measure several aspects of the event: The time at which the earthquake occurred. The epicenter, which is the location on the surface of the earth below which the earthquake occurred. The amount of energy released by the earthquake.
Why was the seismograph invented?
The first seismograph was invented by Zhang Heng, the court astronomer, at about 132 B.C. The seismograph was used to tell if there was an earthquake in China. With the slightest shake of an earthquake, a pendulum inside the jar would fall into a slot. Today, seismographs vary in design and function.
Which is the best definition of a seismograph?
Definition of seismograph. : an apparatus to measure and record vibrations within the earth and of the ground. Other Words from seismograph Example Sentences Learn More about seismograph.
How tall is a seismograph used in Mexico?
A simple seismograph still in use in Mexico is as tall as a 3-story building. Measuring seismic waves has helped scientists identify and describe the internal layers of the earth, even the core. Seismographs are instruments used to measure seismic waves produced by earthquakes.
When was the first earthquake seismograph made?
While the first seismograph was made in ancient China, today’s modern instruments are based on a simple design first created in the 1700s. The simple design records seismic waves using a weighted writing implement and a moving piece of paper. Earthquakes are measured using the Richter scale and the more accurate moment magnitude scale.
What is the vertical axis of a seismogram?
A seismogram is the recording of the ground shaking at the specific location of the instrument. On a seismogram, the HORIZONTAL axis = time (measured in seconds) and the VERTICAL axis= ground displacement (usually measured in millimeters).