Don't Panic Geocast Episode 15 - "If it didn't, that seismometer probably wasn't working" The Nepal Earthquake
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May 1, 2015 Joined by Matt Herman, a geodynamics expert working on earthquake-related problems, the conversation dives into the complexities of the recent Nepal earthquake. They discuss the tectonic interactions between the Indian and Eurasian plates and how advanced GPS and INSAR technologies measure ground displacement. The vulnerability of Kathmandu due to its seismic geography is highlighted, along with the impacts on climbers at Everest Base Camp. The episode also features a fun exploration of microdroplets above hot beverages, tying scientific insights to daily life.
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Magnitude Scale and Energy Explained
- One magnitude unit difference equals 30 times more earthquake energy release.
- Magnitude scales measure energy differently than shaking intensity perceived by humans.
Global Seismic Reverberation
- The Nepal earthquake was recorded by nearly every seismometer worldwide.
- If a seismometer didn't detect it, it was likely not functioning properly.
Automated Earthquake Impact Assessment
- The USGS PAGER system rapidly estimates earthquake impact using automated data.
- It combines shaking intensity, population, and infrastructure details to predict damage and fatalities.
