Strong Motion Sensors
Most strong motion sensors are designed to measure the large amplitude,
high frequency seismic waves typical of large local earthquakes. These
seismic waves result in the strong ground motion we feel during a
large earthquake. Strong ground motion is often to blame for the structural
damage that occurs during an earthquake. The data seismologists record
with strong motion sensors is used to improve the design of earthquake
resistant buildings and to understand earthquake-induced geologic
hazards like liquefaction and landslides. The range of
motions of interest
for strong motion applications includes accelerations
from 0.001 to 2 g and frequencies from 0 to 100 Hz.
At the PNSN, strong motion sensors play a
unique role
in our earthquake monitoring system.
