The Coos Bay region is vulnerable to the catastrophic shaking and tsunami hazard arising from a very large earthquake off the Oregon coast. Scientists study these ‘megathrust events’ in a variety of ways, but acquiring seismic data from small local and large worldwide earthquakes is critical to this task.
The TC-1, or ‘slinky seismometer’ was developed to be deployed in schools, is capable of detecting M6.5 and greater earthquakes worldwide, and can be networked to upload data to an international data repository in real time. Slinky seismometers use fundamental physics, mathematics and engineering constructs— for example: a mass (magnet) on a spring (slinky) serving as an oscillator (physics); undertaking graphical ‘variables analysis’ to understand how spring stiffness, hung mass and initial displacement from equilibrium affect the resonant frequency of TC-1’s oscillation (math); or designing this resonance to match the frequencies of seismic signals and thus optimize the device (engineering).
We have developed a series of lessons that delve into both the inner workings of the TC-, and how scientists interpret data from networks of these seismometers. The first 8 registrants will receive a slinky seismometer for their school with some funds available to help purchase the associated computers and monitors. This workshop is co-led by UO scientists and students, and scientists working for ThermoFisher Scientific, biotechnology company with a facility in Eugene. (UO contact is: Dean Livelybrooks)
This event is open to everyone, OSTA Member or not.
However, we respectfully request that if you are, or have been, an OSTA member, that you log in to the website before registering for this event.
If you have forgotten your password, just select "forgot password" after entering your e-mail address* and a temporary one will be provided.
*You will need to use the e-mail address that is associated with your membership if you use more than one e-mail address.
971-361-OSTA
4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd, #1025Portland, Oregon97214
