Thread: Inquiry

The AS-1 seismograph stations provide an exciting way to study the
Earth via earthquakes. I've been trying to think of some other uses
that these instruments could be put to that involve inquiry.

Here are a few:
* What is the best location in the room for the AS-1 seismograph?
This would involve figuring out a way to quantify "best," perhaps in
terms of the background noise. What is the effect of being near a
window (sun light on the spring), near a heat vent (convection within
the case), or near a doorway?
* Is there a relationship between the background noise level and
the weather? The noise level and storms at sea? This would involve
finding a way to characterize the noise; finding the frequency
characteristics of the noise; characterizing the weather; tracking
storms; and then checking for correlation.
* If there are periodic times with high noise, what is the
source? Is it due to ground vibration or could it be due to
electromagnetic interaction with the AS-1 electronics? One means of
testing involves clamping the magnet so that it can't move. If the
noise persists, then it must not be due to ground vibrations causing
the magnet to move. Is it due to some machinery in the
building? Heating or air conditioning equipment? A radio
transmitter? Does it continue at night? On the weekend?
* How dose the amplitude of a vibration decrease with
distance? One could drop a padded weight on the floor at different
distances and compare the response of the system. How does this
compare with what might be expected? Will it depend on the
construction of the building and the type of floor? How would it
change if done outside, where the energy can radiate down as well as
out, rather than being limited to the floor, which is effectively 2-D?
Can you think of any others?

Let me know if you've tried any of these and what the results were.

Happy New Year!
John