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Seismogram facts for kids

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Seismogram at Weston Observatory
A seismogram being recorded by a seismograph at Weston Observatory in Massachusetts, USA.

A seismogram is a record of an earthquake induced motion at a measuring station as a function of time. Seismograms are usually taken by seismometers. Seisometers record motions in three cartesian axes (x, y, and z), with the z axis perpendicular to the Earth's surface and the x- and y- axes parallel to the surface.

Sylmar085-Input in fractions of 'g'
Seismogram of Sylmar085 earthquake in fractions of gravity acceleration, UCSD.

Historically, seismograms were recorded on paper attached to rotating drums. Some used pens on ordinary paper. Others used light beams to expose photosensitive paper. Today, almost all seismograms are recorded digitally to make analysis by computer easier. Seismograms are very important for measuring earthquakes using the Richter scale.

Images for kids

  • Seismogram on historical seismometer at Institute of Geophysis of the Czech Academy of Science (14)

    A detail of the seismogram

  • Usgs quake seis

    A set of seismograms for an earthquake from the USGS (click to see large version)

  • Develocorders Film Reel Container

    A container that stores a Develocorder film reel

  • Develocorder Film

    A Develocorder film reel

  • Viewing of Develocorder Film

    Viewing of a Develocorder film

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Seismogram Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.