Making waves visible – How do we measure vibrations and infrasound?
This UT FieldLab experiment falls under the theme Water cycle and climate. View all experiments related to this theme.
Introduction
How do you capture signals you can’t see or hear? This experiment studies the smallest vibrations in the Earth and inaudible sound waves in the air. Using a seismo-acoustic network, we measure movements caused by nature and humans – from earthquakes to meteors. Sometimes we even detect volcanic eruptions in Sicily, thanks to infrasound travelling thousands of kilometres through the upper atmosphere.
What are we researching?
We aim to better understand how seismic and acoustic signals propagate and how to pinpoint their source. This knowledge is crucial for monitoring natural processes and for applications such as detecting explosions or enforcing the nuclear test ban treaty.
How does it work?
The network consists of four stations, each equipped with geophones (for ground vibrations) and microbarometers (for infrasound in the air), spaced 100 metres apart. By analysing differences in signal arrival times, we determine the direction of the source. Combining these data with measurements from other locations allows us to calculate the exact location of an event. This makes it possible to map phenomena such as earthquakes, meteors, and volcanic eruptions – sometimes thousands of kilometres away.
Why is this important?
Seismo-acoustic monitoring not only helps us understand natural processes but also provides early warnings for risks. From tsunami alerts to international agreements on nuclear testing, this technology plays a key role in safety and science.