How does an earthquake detector work?

Answer 1

A Chinese earthquake detector is an old invention invented by Chang Heng[AD 78-139] and is also called a seismograph. It actually looks like vase with eight dragon heads on it and surrounding the dragon heads there are eight frogs with open mouths as if to catch the ball in each dragons mouth.

It works like this;when the first tremors of an earthquake made the device vibrate,the ball fell into frog's mouths,making a sound to warn of coming danger. in its mouth is like a point of the compass,this is where the earthquake is coming from.

Earthquakes are detected using a seismometer. A seismometer, also known as a seismograph, is an instrument that records movements of the ground. It is used to detect seismic waves generated by earthquakes and nuclear explosions. A seismoscope can also be used for the detection of underground movements. It indicates that motion has occurred, but does not give a continuous record of the ground movements.

A seismometer consists of an inertial mass that moves in relation to the instrument frame and a method to measure the motion of the mass in relation to the frame. Ground motion causes the instrument frame to move. The motion between the frame and the mass is measured in order to detect and record the ground movements. Modern seismometers consist of a negative feedback loop that applies a magnetic or electrostatic field to resist the motion of the inertial mass. The seismometer outputs the voltage equivalent of the force required to resist the motion of the mass.

The advancements in technology have led to the creation of modern earthquake-detecting instruments, which use electronic sensors and amplifiers. They cover a broad frequency range. Devices of the modern times are highly sensitive to ground movements. Teleseismometers, which cover a wide range of frequencies and strong-motion seismometers using the digital technology, are some of the latest instruments used to detect earthquakes.

Earthquake detection systems can only help us forewarn of a possible earthquake by enabling early detection and near-accurate measurement of its intensity.

Answer 2

An earthquake detector, or seismometer, works by detecting the shaking and movement of the ground caused by seismic waves generated by an earthquake. It consists of a mass suspended on a spring that remains stationary when the ground is still but moves when seismic waves pass through, which is recorded as seismic data that can be used to determine the earthquake's location, magnitude, and depth.