How seismic signals generate knowledge

The ground beneath our feet is constantly in motion – whether due to natural processes such as earthquakes and ocean movements, or human activities such as blasting in quarries, construction work and traffic. The Swiss Seismological Service (SED) at ETH Zurich measures these seismic signals using a dense network of highly sensitive seismic stations.

This data provides important insights into the subsurface and is used in many fields: from earthquake research and construction projects to the monitoring of geothermal energy and CO₂ storage.

At the SED’s exhibition stand, visitors can interactively experience the journey from signal to application: they can record their own movements live, discover the diverse applications of seismic signals worldwide and gain an insight into the BedrettoLab, where earthquakes are studied deep within the mountain. They can also test their knowledge of seismic signals in a quiz.