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Educator Resource: Field Trip

Seismic Signatures

Listen to seismic resonances, explore the properties of mechanical waves, and use real records from SURF tiltmeters to analyze data from an earthquake that occurred on the other side of the world.
Level
Upper Elementary
Time required
~1 hour

At the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) scientists and engineers constantly monitor movement of the rock mass using several different kinds of instruments. These measurements are vitally important to ensure the safety of those working underground. It also results in valuable data about how rock is affected by natural events and human activity.