Summary:
The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network deployed a research-grade strong-motion seismometer at T-Mobile Park during Game 5 of the ALDS, capturing measurable seismic activity from 47,025 cheering Mariners fans. Nicknamed “Richter Rizzs,” the instrument recorded peak ground movement (90 microns) during Jorge Polanco’s game-winning RBI single. This initiative blends public engagement with structural engineering insights, demonstrating how crowd energy translates to detectable earth vibrations. PNSN’s rapid response demonstrates innovative applications of seismic monitoring beyond traditional earthquake detection.
What This Means for You:
- Sports venues are increasingly becoming urban vibration laboratories – follow PNSN’s live feeds during major events to witness real-time geophysical data visualization.
- Stadium engineers use this crowd-induced seismicity data to validate structural resilience models – crucial knowledge for venue designers and event safety planners.
- Local STEM advocates can leverage these experiments for physics demonstrations – contact PNSN about educational partnerships using sports seismology datasets.
- Future implications: Expect more participatory geoscience integrations at live events as sensor networks expand – with potential impacts on seismic noise baselines in urban monitoring.
Original Post:
Mariners’ Leo Rivas described crowd energy as ground-shaking – a claim validated by PNSN’s temporary seismic array. The network installed a Kinemetrics ES-T Strong-Motion Sensor within the ballpark to capture high-frequency vibrations undetectable by distant permanent stations. Peak vertical ground displacement coincided with Polanco’s walk-off hit, correlating with 115 dB crowd noise. PNSN’s real-time telemetry dashboard documented these anthropogenic seismic events throughout the 15-inning game.
While primarily an outreach initiative, the data contributes to structural health monitoring research for stadiums experiencing recurrent crowd vibrations. PNSN previously quantified similar cultural seismicity at Seahawks games and Taylor Swift concerts, establishing benchmarks for human-generated ground motion in the Puget Lowland basin.
Extra Information:
- PNSN Public Engagement Programs – Details on accessing real-time seismic streams during public events
- USGS Crowd-Sourced Seismology Research – Federal guidelines for measuring human-induced vibrations
- Stadium Vibration Monitoring Protocols – Engineering standards for structural response assessment
People Also Ask About:
- Can crowd cheering register on regional seismic networks? Yes – coordinated human activity generates measurable surface waves within 10km.
- How do stadium vibrations compare to earthquakes? Stadium events typically produce 0.5-1.5 magnitude equivalents, localized to the venue.
- Are there structural risks from fan-induced shaking? Modern stadiums are engineered for these loads, but data helps validate fatigue models.
- Can I access live stadium seismic data? PNSN provides public streams during major events at pnsn.org.
Expert Opinion:
“These stadium deployments serve dual purposes,” notes PNSN Director Harold Tobin. “While engaging the public with tangible geoscience, we’re gathering rare datasets on how engineered structures filter and amplify crowd energy – critical for both seismic safety designs and understanding urban vibrational noise floors in earthquake detection algorithms.”
Key Terms:
- Crowd-induced seismicity measurement techniques
- Structural vibration monitoring in stadiums
- Anthropogenic seismic noise characterization
- Real-time seismometer public data streams
- Urban cultural seismology studies
- Strong-motion sensor installation protocols
- Sports venue ground response analysis
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