Using Seismographs To Look For Explosions

When you think about a seismometer (or seismograph) an earthquake is often the first thing you think about. In the real world seismometers have several uses. In recent news scientists throughout the world were trying to determine if a nuclear weapon was detonated in North Korea.

This picture shows data from multiple seismometers which scientists analyzed in an effort to understand the location and magnitude of the underground explosion.

To gain a greater understanding of what scientists try to do when looking at all those lines you can use our Earthquake Gizmos.

Links:
BBC News: Underground nuclear testing
Earthquake: Recording Station Gizmo
Earthquake: Determination of Epicenter Gizmo