All Shook Up: Quake Catcher Network

The Virginia earthquake a couple days ago must have rattled a thought into my head: what citizen science projects exist for seismology. And lookit what we have from California, no less!

Presenting the Quake-Catcher Network from Stanford University, "a collaborative initiative for developing the world's largest, low-cost, strong-motion seismic network by utilizing sensors in and attached to internet-connected computers." Whew!

Let me sum it up real quick. Many laptops have Sudden Motion Sensors, designed to protect the hard drive in the event of a fall (yeah, I didn't know that either). Using this little accelerometer which mostly sits idle, the QCN software can keep an eye out for high-energy signals (significant seismic activity), transfer the data to QCN headquarters, and compare it to data packets sent in from other QCN participants. If no one else is registering activity, it's probably just a truck rumbling down your street. However, if many other participants are indicating energy bursts, then there is a good chance there's a quake.

Can you participate even if you do not have a laptop with motion sensors? Why yes. For about 50 bucks you can order a USB motion sensor to plug right into your computer. In fact, you would have to take this route to add a desktop to the network.

Speaking of desktops and USB motion sensors, QCN has a sensor program for K-12 teachers. For a modest fee ($5 per sensor) you can obtain up to three USB seismometers for use in schools. Teachers can also borrow up to 15 sensors for three weeks at no charge, besides $10.35 return postage.