What is a seismoscope?
Seismoscope is a scientific device that signals the occurrence of earthquakes, may provide information about the timing and size of the earthquake. It should not be confused with a seismometer, a measuring instrument or a closely related seismograph that generates a shock record. Geologists do not widely use seismoscopes because the range of data that may be recorded is limited compared to more sophisticated equipment. This device did not offer information about when the earthquake occurred, unless anyone was present when the ball fell. Also did not measure the size of the seismic event; The ball would drop to a relatively mild earthquake or very large. Records suggest that he was able to measure distant shocks, as at least on one occasion people thought the tindicator was false and later learned about the earthquake in the neighboring area.
Over time, seismoscope technology has become more sophisticated. The inventors workedEven on devices capable of measuring the intensity of the earthquake so that they can collect better data, and also develop seismoscopes with timers to tell them when the shocks occurred. The development of seismograph and seismometer contributed even more useful information; The first device used a simple pendulum connected to the stylus to record earthquakes in full quotations, allowing people to monitor the intensity of the shock and look at the formula of movement inside the Earth's crust.
Seismoscope is especially useful as a warning system that makes people know that there has been an earthquake. More modern scientific equipment provides information about details and not only signals people to warn people of the occurrence of earthquakes. By using network equipment for measuring seismic activities, scientists can determine the earthquake epicenters, follow the earthquake and learn more about the origin of the shocks. These devices are also useful for activities such as issuing Tsunami warnings.
It is possible to build a simple seismoscope at home and instructions can be found in a bookHách scientific activities and online. One of the problems with this and other earthquake measurement devices is the degree of sensitivity. The machine can issue a fake alarm for a passing heavy car or cannot detect a very distant earthquake because the country's movement is so gentle. Scientists use tools such as probes placed underground to confirm that shaking is caused by an earthquake and to collect the directional data of movement.