Learning physics while monitoring vibrations of the Earth—investigating seismic phenomena by using a Raspberry Pi

Fösel A, Hinz D (2025)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Book Volume: 46

Journal Issue: 2

URI: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6404/ada1af

DOI: 10.1088/1361-6404

Open Access Link: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6404/ada1af

Abstract

This article deals with the context of seismology and its relevance to the teaching of physics in a modern and highly motivating way. A modular system called Raspberry Shake RS1D is presented, which is capable of detecting earthquakes as well as everyday vibrations. The Raspberry Shake 1D Vertical Motion Seismograph combines a Raspberry Pi mini-computer, a vertical geophone, a 24-bit digitizer and a near-real-time (miniSEED) data transmission. While the Raspberry Shake is a low cost professional and already well known tool for seismologists, we as physicists 'simply' used that computer-based measurement system. We describe how the seismograph works. We present the detection of ground motion from earthquakes as well as from everyday vibrations using selected examples. Thereby, we focus on teaching physics in the context of seismology, presenting didactic ideas for learning about acoustics, for utilizing measurement systems and for applying scientific methods. This article is especially relevant for teaching undergraduate students. Basic facts about earthquakes that are essential for the study of the seismic phenomena discussed in this article are conveyed.

Authors with CRIS profile

How to cite

APA:

Fösel, A., & Hinz, D. (2025). Learning physics while monitoring vibrations of the Earth—investigating seismic phenomena by using a Raspberry Pi. European Journal of Physics, 46(2). https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404

MLA:

Fösel, Angela, and Dominik Hinz. "Learning physics while monitoring vibrations of the Earth—investigating seismic phenomena by using a Raspberry Pi." European Journal of Physics 46.2 (2025).

BibTeX: Download