Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
model of a 1 meter-long strike-slip fault made by two blocks representing the hanging-
wall and foot-wall of the fault. The surface is realistically rendered with buildings,
factories, bridges, and trees. When one of the two blocks is pushed, it slips, causing
the rupture along a vertical plane. The stronger the push, the larger the damage at the
surface: trees and constructions fall down and can be recovered by pressing a button.
With this experience it is possible to understand how different forces produce dif-
ferent-magnitude earthquakes and that the level of damage is also related to the energy
of the earthquake.
JumpQuake
Another way to experience the energy released by an earthquake is to produce a
ground motion and look at it through seismometer records. By jumping on the ground
in front of an S-13 seismometer, people create their own earthquakes that are recorded
mechanically on a large rotating drum (Figure 4). This simple interactive exhibit in-
troduces the concept of seismic waves, their amplitudes, and duration, displaying the
trace of ground motion directly on paper. Moreover, it shows the instrumentation used
by the National Seismic Network and how it works. This exhibit was particularly
appreciated by children, who loved jumping higher and higher to induce the greatest
earthquake of all. The 3-D model of the fault and the seismometer is made simple to
make visitors understand the relationships between the force applied (stress) and the
effect (earthquakes and permanent deformation of the surface).
Figure 4.
By jumping in front of a S-13 seismometer connected to a drum recorder, people induce
their own earthquakes.
