earth-sciences

Seismology & Earthquake Science

The study of earthquakes, seismic wave propagation, and Earth's interior structure — magnitude estimation, seismic refraction profiling, soil liquefaction risk, fault mechanics, and seismogram interpretation.

seismologyearthquakesseismic wavesmagnitudeliquefactionfault mechanicsseismogram

Seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes and the propagation of elastic waves through the Earth. By analyzing seismic signals, scientists map the planet's internal structure, estimate earthquake magnitudes, and assess geologic hazards. The discipline underpins earthquake early-warning systems, building codes, and our understanding of plate tectonics.

These simulations let you compute earthquake magnitudes from seismogram amplitudes, trace seismic rays refracting through layered Earth models, evaluate liquefaction susceptibility in saturated soils, model stress accumulation on faults, and decompose seismogram waveforms into P, S, and surface wave arrivals — all grounded in real physics and animated in real time.

5 interactive simulations

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Earthquake Magnitude & Energy Calculator

Simulate earthquake magnitude scales — explore how seismogram amplitude, epicentral distance, depth, and frequency content determine Richter, moment, and body-wave magnitudes

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Fault Mechanics & Stress Accumulation

Simulate earthquake fault mechanics — explore how tectonic stress rate, fault friction, normal stress, and recurrence interval govern the seismic cycle and rupture potential

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Soil Liquefaction Risk Assessment

Simulate seismic liquefaction susceptibility — explore how earthquake magnitude, PGA, soil density, and water table depth determine factor of safety and liquefaction potential

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Seismic Refraction & Ray Tracing

Simulate seismic wave refraction through layered Earth — explore how layer velocities, thicknesses, source offset, and interface dip control travel-time curves and head-wave arrivals

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Seismogram Waveform Analysis

Simulate a three-component seismogram — explore how epicentral distance, magnitude, focal depth, and station noise affect P-wave, S-wave, and surface wave arrivals