In Our Time Seismology
Apr 7, 2022
Rebecca Bell, a Senior Lecturer in Geology and Geophysics, Zoe Mildon, a Lecturer in Earth Sciences, and James Hammond, a Reader in Geophysics, dive deep into seismology. They discuss the historical impact of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and its role in shaping modern seismology. The conversation unveils the mechanics of seismic waves and how they reveal Earth's internal structure. They also explore challenges in earthquake prediction and essential safety techniques like 'drop, cover, hold' for disaster preparedness.
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Lisbon Earthquake Magnitude
- The Lisbon earthquake's magnitude is estimated around 8.5, unusually high for Europe.
- Such magnitudes are more common in subduction zones like Chile, Japan, or Sumatra.
Richter Scale Limitations
- The Richter scale, designed for California earthquakes, is no longer routinely used by seismologists.
- Modern seismology uses digital records and a global magnitude scale.
Nuclear Tests and Seismology
- Nuclear test monitoring spurred seismology's advancement in the 1960s.
- A global standardized seismograph network provided a clearer picture of earthquake occurrences.