35.3. Measurement of Ground Acceleration

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the purpose of accelerographs?

   Hint

   Think about what we need to know during an earthquake.

2. 2.

   Name the three dimensions in which modern seismic measurements are recorded.

   Hint

   Consider typical coordinate systems.

3. 3.

   What instruments are primarily used to measure ground acceleration?

   • Accelerographs
   • Seismographs
   • Both A and B

   Hint

   Think about different roles each instrument plays.

4. 4.

   True or False: Accelerographs only measure horizontal acceleration.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how an earthquake shakes the ground.

5. 5.

   Design a simplified experiment to measure ground acceleration using basic materials. Explain your setup.

   Hint

   Consider measuring drops from different heights.

6. 6.

   Discuss the implications of not measuring acceleration in the vertical direction during a seismic event.

   Hint

   Think about how buildings sway during earthquakes.