Researchers installed 86 new monitors.
Columbia, South Carolina — Researchers at the University of South Carolina may be one step closer to understanding the recent series of earthquakes known as the Kershaw County earthquake swarm less than a year ago.
Researchers have analyzed the swarms using a device called a seismograph. These devices go into the ground to collect data on subsurface plate movements.
This month, the university installed 86 new miniature seismometers for better results.Assistant Professor Daniel Frost USC School of Earth, Ocean and Environmentsaid it also received support from neighboring states.
“Working with engineers in Georgia, we have installed 86 nodal seismometers. Nodal seismometers are metric seismometers the size of volleyballs.”
The large size of the device allowed the university to place it closer to the epicenter of the earthquake swarm.
“Earthquakes have been happening in Elgin since the beginning of the year, and no one really has a good answer as to what’s going on,” he said.
However, these newer devices should provide more accurate results.
“We hope that having these seismometers right above where the swarms are occurring will allow us to pinpoint more precisely where these quakes are,” Frost said. .
New seismographs could help pinpoint the source of subsurface disturbances. Size is also included in the cost. Because the meters were small, the university was able to purchase 86 of them.
The device is buried between the epicenter of Elgin and Fort Jackson. Results from the new compact seismometer will not be recorded until January.
Frost said it’s important to note that South Carolina quakes are mostly harmless.
