New Atlas

Science Audio available

Massive mountain range found in the Earth's mantle

Michael Irving February 14, 2019

According to a new study, Earth's surface is smooth compared to the landscapes found deep within the planet. Using data from one of the biggest earthquakes on record, geophysicists have now found massive mountain ranges hundreds of kilometers beneath our feet.

A diagram of the Earth's layers, including the transition zone – the bottom boundary of which ...

Science Audio available

Undersea seismographs pop to the surface to transmit data

Ben Coxworth February 5, 2019

Although traditional seismographs are essential for warning of earthquakes, they can be difficult to access when placed on the sea floor. Well, that's where the MERMAID underwater seismic floats are designed to come in, and they've recently been successfully tested in the Galápagos.

One of the MERMAID seismic floats reaches the surface

Architecture

Sustainable earthquake-resistant skyscraper crowned world's best high-rise

Adam Williams November 2, 2018

Following an international architecture competition, LBR&A Architectos' Torre Reforma has been declared the winner of the International Highrise Award. Chosen from over 1,000 towers built in the past two years, the office building was hailed for its innovative earthquake-resistant design.

Torre Reforma is Mexico City's tallest building and rises to a height of 809 ft (246 ...

Science Audio available

Earthquake vibrations suggest Earth's inner core is solid but squishy

Michael Irving October 21, 2018

It’s long been thought that the Earth's inner core is a solid ball of iron, but direct evidence is hard to come by. Now, researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) have detected a type of seismic wave passing through the core that only propagates through solid objects.

By measuring seismic waves passing through the center of the Earth, researchers have concluded that the ...

Electronics

Scientists develop the smallest, cheapest electronic nose for search and rescue

James Holloway May 16, 2018

Scientists have developed what they claim is the “smallest and cheapest” electronic nose for sniffing out people, designed with earthquake and avalanche rescue in mind. The nose detects various substances which would provide the crucial “chemical fingerprint” showing the presence of human life.

Dogs' noses are incredibly sensitive, but electronic devices could be more practical in hard-to-reach disaster zones

Architecture

Engineers uncover the Leaning Tower of Pisa's secret to shrugging off earthquakes

Michael Irving May 9, 2018

The Leaning Tower of Pisa has stood at a precarious angle for more than 600 years, surviving numerous large earthquakes without damage. Now, a team of engineers has identified how it managed that feat.

Engineers have uncovered how the Leaning Tower of Pisa has managed to withstand several large earthquakes ...

Environment

Fiber optic internet cables could double as earthquake detectors

Michael Irving October 22, 2017

While current seismometers can pick up tremors with precision, they’re short-ranged and expensive. Now a Stanford study has demonstrated that an extensive earthquake-detection network could already exist right under our feet: the optical fiber cables piping high-speed internet throughout cities.

A 3 mile (4.8 km) loop of fiber optic cable buried underneath Stanford University was able ...

Materials

Earthquake-resistant concrete keeps walls from falling

Ben Coxworth October 13, 2017

While we may hear about ways of constructing new buildings to make them earthquake-resistant, what about all the buildings that are standing already? Well, that's where a special new concrete comes in. Sprayed onto existing walls, it allows them to withstand major tremors.

Plans call for EDCC to sprayed onto existing walls as part of a seismic retrofit

Science

Hollywood's open-and-shut take on earthquakes isn't so far-fetched

Michael Irving May 1, 2017

You probably remember earthquake movies where the ground cracks wide open, sending people tumbling in, before it snaps shut. It may seem exaggerated for the sake of a good visual, but a new study out of Caltech has demonstrated that this can actually happen, contrary to the beliefs of geologists.

Simulations show that the old disaster movie trope of an earthquake splitting the ground apart, then ...

Automotive

Final LaFerrari sells for $7 million in auction to aid earthquake victims

Noel McKeegan December 6, 2016

The 500th and last LaFerrari has sold for a staggering $7 million at auction, with the proceeds going towards aiding the victims of the recent earthquakes in central Italy.

The 500th and last La Ferrari is set apart by special livery, including Italian flags front ...