Available online
Description
This programme is about the seismic body waves which are generated by earthquakes. How they arise, how they propagate right through the Earth's interior, and how they are detected. The programme op...ens with dramatic film of the 1964 Alaska earthquake. The latest Science and Engineering Research Council (S.E.R.C.) earthquake shaker table at the University of Bristol is used to demonstrate the physical effects of a simulated earthquake. An office 'set' is progressively demolished as the intensity is increased. The focus of the programme then shifts to the detection of the seismic signals and how the source of the earthquake can be determined. The Seismic Investigations Unit of the industry of Defence show how the various types of seismic waves from a complex earthquake are detected and identified. For comparison the relatively simple signal from an underground nuclear explosion is shown. As well as earthquake produced 'body waves' artificial seismic sources are used to probe the upper layers of the Earth's surfaces; the bigger the 'hammer' and deeper the signals can be detected. These techniques are vital to oil and mineral exploration. Finally the progrmme reurns to the earthquake simulator laboratory to show how engineers are researching earthquake-resistant structures and then just a few ways of earthquake prediction are briefly mentioned.
This programme is about the seismic body waves which are generated by earthquakes. How they arise, how they propagate right through the Earth's interior, and how they are detected. The programme op...ens with dramatic film of the 1964 Alaska earthquake. The latest Science and Engineering Research Council (S.E.R.C.) earthquake shaker table at the University of Bristol is used to demonstrate the physical effects of a simulated earthquake. An office 'set' is progressively demolished as the intensity is increased. The focus of the programme then shifts to the detection of the seismic signals and how the source of the earthquake can be determined. The Seismic Investigations Unit of the industry of Defence show how the various types of seismic waves from a complex earthquake are detected and identified. For comparison the relatively simple signal from an underground nuclear explosion is shown. As well as earthquake produced 'body waves' artificial seismic sources are used to probe the upper layers of the Earth's surfaces; the bigger the 'hammer' and deeper the signals can be detected. These techniques are vital to oil and mineral exploration. Finally the progrmme reurns to the earthquake simulator laboratory to show how engineers are researching earthquake-resistant structures and then just a few ways of earthquake prediction are briefly mentioned.
| Module code and title: | S102, Science: a foundation course |
|---|---|
| Item code: | S102; 05 |
| First transmission date: | 06-03-1988 |
| Published: | 1988 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:25:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Tony Jolly |
| Contributors: | Geoff Brown; Peter Marshall |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Body waves; Explosions underground; Marine seismics; Mineral exploration; Shaker table; Vibroseis |
| Subject terms: | Alaska--Description and travel; Nuclear accidents; Oil; Earthquakes |
| Master spool number: | HOU5699 |
| Production number: | FOUS469A |
| Videofinder number: | 1740 |
| Available to public: | no |
