Seismograph (Juliana Capra)

Author

Juliana Capra, Science Ed Master's Program

Sensor / Probe

The application used on iOS is called iSeismometer.

The application program uses the accelerometer located inside your phone or mobile device.

To use the features of the application you turn on the app and place your device on a flat level surface such as a table or the ground. By enabling the accelerometer in your phone, the app is able to detect movement on the flat surface. If the used holds their device in their hand, the accelerometer in your phone and the app are able to detect movement when the user shakes their hand.

The app has some other useful features such as recording movements along different axis' including X, Y, and Z axis movement. In addition the app features an alarm to notify the user when the app detects movement. The app includes a pause button, ability to record and upload data collected with the app.

Sample Investigation

A possible investigation would be to simulate earthquakes of varying magnitudes of strength. One could use the rule of exponents and show how each magnitude of earthquake increases by powers of ten.

Another investigation idea could be to model the anatomy of the earthquake, or the different types of energy waves released during the earthquake. Using the app, the user could record the primary wave, secondary waves, and long waves. Using knowledge that the primary waves are the initial waves recorded and felt, one could make the first jolt to represent this type of energy wave. The secondary waves are the second type of wave of energy recorded. This type of wave is also the wave felt the strongest in an earthquake, so to make this wave the used could strongly shake the device. The third type of wave in an earthquake is the long or surface waves. These waves are the third type of wave felt and feel the most like a rolling type of wave. To make and record this type of wave the user could make a movement that feels like the ground is rolling.

Important notes about this particular app: So far, the apps available have very limited functionality. Yes, the apps record the energy waves, however units are not indicated on the data table. In addition, some of the apps include features to set up data collection, however it seems that the free version dos not function. And when the user tries to activate these features the app freezes up and crashes.

Sample Data & Analysis and Interpretation

Because of the limited functionality of this app, I was unable to record, collect, and process data with this probe. I will keep checking the app for updates so that I can actually record and process data. For now I will use the realtime data and information found on USGS live feed seismic activity map

Photos

iSeismometer images:

Types of Earthquake Waves:

Movies