Seismometer facts for kids
A seismometer or seismograph is an instrument that measures motions of the ground, including those generated by earthquakes, nuclear explosions and other sources.
Records of seismic waves called seismograms allow us to map the interior of the Earth, and to find and measure the size of those different sources.
The word derives from the Greek word, seismós, a shaking or quake, from the verb σείω, seíō, to shake; and μέτρον, métron, measure.
The technique of using a seismometer to build up a picture of the Earth's interior is called seismic tomography.
Images for kids
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Basic horizontal-motion seismograph. The inertia of the round weight tends to hold the pen still while the base moves back and forth.
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Replica of Zhang Heng's seismoscope Houfeng Didong Yi
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Milne horizontal pendulum seismometer. One of the Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Exhibit in the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, Japan.
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CMG-40T triaxial broadband seismometer
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Seismometer without housing; presented during a demonstration for children about earthquakes at Alfred Wegener Institute.
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A low-frequency 3-direction ocean-bottom seismometer (cover removed). Two masses for x- and y-direction can be seen, the third one for z-direction is below. This model is a CMG-40TOBS, manufactured by Güralp Systems Ltd and is part of the Monterey Accelerated Research System.
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Viewing of a Develocorder film
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Matsushiro Seismological Observatory
See also
In Spanish: Sismógrafo para niños
