Update: 23 April 2020 The observation on seismic noise provided to the NPHET as part of a body of information that they are using to try to manage the crisis.
Further information can be accessed on the INSN homepage
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday 8th April 2020
DIAS seismologists detect change in “human-made seismic noise” across Ireland due to Covid-19 lockdown
Data from Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies illustrates the impact of public health restrictions on human activity
Seismologists at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) have released data today (08.04.20), illustrating the dramatic decrease in human activity as a result of Covid-19 lockdown measures.
The Geophysics Section in DIAS operates the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN), with support from the Geological Survey Ireland. Instruments used by the INSN track ‘seismic noise’ – human-made ground vibrations – as well as ground motions from natural phenomena, such as earthquakes and volcanoes.
According to the data released by DIAS today, levels of seismic noise are up to three times lower now than they were before the lockdown.
Commenting today, Dr. Martin Möllhoff, Director of Seismic Networks at DIAS, said: “Our day-to-day lives result in small ground movements – for example, by cars, trains, building sites and other industries. These human-induced vibrations, called seismic noise by seismologists, vary with the human activity.
“Worldwide social restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic affect not only levels of air pollution, but also how much the ground beneath our feet vibrates.
“With the current Covid-19 restrictions on human movement, INSN seismic noise levels have been markedly reduced. In Ireland, seismic noise levels are now up to three times lower than they were before the restrictions were introduced.”
Professor Chris Bean, Head of the Geophysics Section and Director of the School of Cosmic Physics at DIAS, said: “Such lowered seismic noise levels can enhance the capability of a seismic network to detect small earthquakes and are testament to the high levels of compliance with Covid-19 movement restrictions.”
The findings released by DIAS today mirror findings from seismologists across the world, who have been tracking how Covid-19 restrictions have impacted on levels of seismic noise.
After many weeks, here's the moment both @INPHOJames and I captured the starlings forming the shape of a bird over Lough Ennell, Co. Westmeath https://t.co/9zY5DpD7T2
We have entered the last month to capture that amazing photo of the sky and win our Astrophotography competition.
We are accepting photographs taken between 01 January 2020 and 31 March 2021.
You can submit an entry up to Friday 02nd April 2021.
More: dias.ie/reachforthesta…
Meet the Judges of our "Reach for the Stars" Astrophotography competition!
@petertgallagher is Head of @DIASAstronomy & has spent the past two decades studying the Sun its impacts on the Earth. To learn more and submit an entry see
dias.ie/reachforthesta…#DIASdiscovers
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DIAS seismologists detect change in “human-made seismic noise”
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Last Updated: 27th April 2020 by Alice PR
The observation on seismic noise provided to the NPHET as part of a body of information that they are using to try to manage the crisis.
Further information can be accessed on the INSN homepage
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday 8th April 2020
DIAS seismologists detect change in “human-made seismic noise” across Ireland due to Covid-19 lockdown
Data from Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies illustrates the impact of public health restrictions on human activity
Seismologists at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) have released data today (08.04.20), illustrating the dramatic decrease in human activity as a result of Covid-19 lockdown measures.
The Geophysics Section in DIAS operates the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN), with support from the Geological Survey Ireland. Instruments used by the INSN track ‘seismic noise’ – human-made ground vibrations – as well as ground motions from natural phenomena, such as earthquakes and volcanoes.
According to the data released by DIAS today, levels of seismic noise are up to three times lower now than they were before the lockdown.
Commenting today, Dr. Martin Möllhoff, Director of Seismic Networks at DIAS, said: “Our day-to-day lives result in small ground movements – for example, by cars, trains, building sites and other industries. These human-induced vibrations, called seismic noise by seismologists, vary with the human activity.
“Worldwide social restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic affect not only levels of air pollution, but also how much the ground beneath our feet vibrates.
“With the current Covid-19 restrictions on human movement, INSN seismic noise levels have been markedly reduced. In Ireland, seismic noise levels are now up to three times lower than they were before the restrictions were introduced.”
Professor Chris Bean, Head of the Geophysics Section and Director of the School of Cosmic Physics at DIAS, said: “Such lowered seismic noise levels can enhance the capability of a seismic network to detect small earthquakes and are testament to the high levels of compliance with Covid-19 movement restrictions.”
The findings released by DIAS today mirror findings from seismologists across the world, who have been tracking how Covid-19 restrictions have impacted on levels of seismic noise.
Further information is available at www.dias.ie and www.insn.ie.
ENDS
Category: Featured Blog Posts, Geophysics Section News & Events, News, Uncategorised
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We have entered the last month to capture that amazing photo of the sky and win our Astrophotography competition. We are accepting photographs taken between 01 January 2020 and 31 March 2021. You can submit an entry up to Friday 02nd April 2021. More: dias.ie/reachforthesta…
Meet the Judges of our "Reach for the Stars" Astrophotography competition! @petertgallagher is Head of @DIASAstronomy & has spent the past two decades studying the Sun its impacts on the Earth. To learn more and submit an entry see dias.ie/reachforthesta… #DIASdiscovers