How do we capture the motion of an earthquake?

Resources

Background
Activities
     • Where did the Earthquake Originate?
Vocabulary
Related Animations
     • Seismograph
     • Seismic Waves-Effect on Buildings
     • Multi-station Seismic Network

3-Component Seismograph

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3-Component Seismogram

This animation shows both the movement of the three basic waves (P, S, and surface) and the effect of the waves on a building. The three seismograms produced by a modern seismograph station show that the P wave is more visible on the vertical component and the S wave amplitude is larger on the horizontal components.

Quicktime (6 MB)


 

Animations and videos are made in partnership with Earthscope, USGS, and Volcano Video & Graphics.

Please send feedback to Jenda Johnson.