Due 23/02/11
Early Warning One World Essay
Tsunami Science
Seismograph Method
Kyle C.
Introduction:
From more than 1000 years until today, people had been disturbed with freakishly large ocean wave. This wave called “Tsunami,” meaning harbor wave in Japanese is a huge ocean wave, which can travel up to approximately (rounded) 1000km/hr. It occurs due to eruptions and sudden movements beneath surface but most devastative Tsunamis are caused by quakes underground. As to prevent death and injury from the Tsunamis, scientists had invented a measuring instrument called Seismograph; this instrument indicates when and how the size of the wave will approach. By using Seismograph, scientists (seismologists) can communicate with others who dwell near the sea shore to stay safe. I would like to explain the Seismograph method that scientists utilize to predict the signs of Tsunamis.
A) Introduction to Seismograph
An instrument called Seismograph measures the movement of the seismic waves; it amplifies, detects, and records the vibrations of the ground during the quake. Seismographs are used to gather more information of Seismic disturbances and to monitor the early warnings (signs) of seismic events. Seismographs are frequently utilized in developed or island countries. Seismologists, Geologists, Park Rangers etc utilize seismographs to record the seismic events. Earliest Seismograph was invented in A.D 136 by “Zhang Heng”, an ancient astronomer from China. However modern seismographs we use today had been created by an English Seismologist John Milne who invented the horizontal pendulum seismograph in 1880. Modern seismographs work electromagnetically; how it works is that the magnet attached to the seismograph is used to hold the mass. The pen below the mass detects and records the movement of the seismic events. When the small electric signals are produced, these signals are recorded on a monitor or a seismogram. Visual monitoring, which records the movement and the action of the seismic wave is known as “recording drum seismogram.”
As the amplitude of the wave increases, seismologists can tell that the size of the tsunami will turn out to be larger. On the other hand, as the length of wavelength increases, the slower the wave is produced per sec. By using these techniques to find about the seismic activities, seismologists can prevent danger earlier.
B) Benefits and Limitations
As I said before, Seismographs are mainly used in developed or island countries but it should also be needed to all countries which border sea; people never know when and where the waves will strike to. Almost 4/5 of Tsunamis generally build up around Pacific Ocean, they occur along countries which border “Rim of Fire” (Mostly South East Asia – Oceania). In-order for scientists to discover where the wave is heading to or at least the midpoint, scientists find the epicenter. Epicenter is the meeting center of the different locations where waves originate. It is important to know that where and when the Tsunamis approach since, it gives a sign to prevent from danger. As a fact, Tsunamis occurred in many locations in Japan; as the seismograph indicated where the wave will hit, the scientists in the urban areas could communicate with people next to the gulf/shore to stay safe before the Tsunamis had strike. This communication was the success of avoiding Tsunami danger.
On the contrary, there were some limitations. Although (Ex. Japan) was able to avoid from the hit, not all the countries that had faced Tsunamis weren’t successful (in this case Thailand). It was not the matter of fact that Seismologists in Thailand predicted incorrect, there were lack of communication between the Urban area (Bangkok the Capital) and regions next to shore. Due to the inadequate facilities, seismologists couldn’t connect to areas such as forests or areas near the shore where communities lived. It has been issued that, due to lack of communication, many people suffered. It is not that the Seismograph indicated wrong; there was a problem that should’ve been fixed. Therefore we should acknowledge the importance of seismograph; without seismograph to determine the wave, we will all be in jeopardy.
C) Social and Environmental Impact
Impact on Countries:
Though the Tsunamis are not a long term disruption, it damages our circumstances; the Earthquake, which occurred in Thailand, abolished hundreds of innocent lives. The Thailand Earthquake had great impact on their economy, as the Tsunamis swept the whole surface the entire land was a mess (spotting a dead fish on deck). This would require money to renovate however perhaps it would’ve been impossible for some countries (We can assume that Thailand can renovate). Though may the area not renovated be a mess, it would be better to stay like this since it will be possible that wave would strike the same place again. So as you can see, seismograph is not always the matter, but one thing for sure is that it can save at least one person.
Conclusion:
Seismograph method is a major importance in our society. Seismograph should be needed since it can determine the movement of the waves towards us; this machine/technology can give access to us for/to receive information from other neighbors. Nevertheless, it is a problem that this technology is overpricing so it will be formidable for all the countries to purchase this. Besides the seismograph issue, a massive problem that influences others are lack of communication, in-order for everyone to be safe, technology between rural and urban regions should develop. In conclusion, Seismograph is a useful method, which can save thousands of people’s lives; this can be a live savior today.
Works Cited
About.com. “Famous Seismologists and Earthquake Detection.” About com. Inventors. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2011.
How Stuff Works. How does a seismograph work? What is the Richter scale? N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2011.
Webquest. “Killer Waves strike the Coast.” Tsunami Webquest. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2011.
More information about seismograph method was in textbook. (Sections that were on the test)
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