The drop in human activity due to coronavirus lockdowns has quieted noise levels in big cities and left streets eerily empty. The silence is deafening — or, at the very least, measurable, according to geoscientists reporting from the U.S. and Europe. Seismologists (scientists who study earthquakes and other seismic activity on the Earth) have noted a reduction in human-related ‘seismic noise,’ which usually stems from vehicles and industrial work. With governments putting a pause on both of those activities to stem the spread of Covid-19, this means the Earth itself is literally vibrating less these days.
The reduction of seismic noise could allow researchers to make clearer and more accurate measurements with their instruments, detecting smaller earthquakes and other natural occurrences that cause vibrations such as volcanic activity. It’s an exciting prospect for scientists.
“There’s a big chance indeed it could lead to better measurements,” seismologist Thomas Lecocq told Nature. He and his team were already making plans to conduct tests while the lockdowns are still in place. Continue reading.