The Department of Geosciences has installed a seismometer on the lower floor of Keplinger Hall to serve as a visual introduction to geophysics and seismology. The seismometer and screen were funded by Red Bluff Resources and the Decker Dawson Endowment. The device records about one earthquake per day, typically at a magnitude of 2.5 to 4.0 occurring within 50 to 250 km. Larger earthquakes from far away, including two California Ridgecrest events with magnitudes 6.5 and 7.1, also registered clearly on the TU seismometer.
“Earthquakes, both natural and induced, are of great concern in our state,” said Associate Professor of Geophysics Steven Roche. “Providing a “window” into seismic monitoring fits well into the TU educational experience.”