seismik

Seismik refers to phenomena and methods related to seismic waves and the study of earthquakes and the structure of the Earth. The term is used across geoscience, geophysics, and engineering to describe how ground motion is generated, propagates, and is recorded.

Seismic waves include different types, such as compressional P-waves, shear S-waves, and surface waves. These waves travel at varying speeds through rocks and soils, with speeds influenced by material properties and density. As waves reach the Earth’s surface, they cause ground shaking that can be recorded by instruments. Seismograms, produced by seismometers and accelerometers, are used to analyze the timing, amplitude, and frequency content of the motion to infer earthquake characteristics and subsurface structure.

Instruments and data collection form the backbone of seismik. Seismometers measure ground displacement, velocity, or acceleration, and are deployed in networks that span large regions. Data from these instruments enable determination of earthquake location, depth, and magnitude, as well as the assessment of ground shaking patterns for hazard analysis and engineering design.

Seismic methods encompass both active-source and passive-source approaches. Active-source methods, such as seismic reflection and refraction, use controlled energy sources to image subsurface layers. Passive methods rely on naturally occurring or ambient seismic energy to study crustal properties, often through seismic tomography and waveform analysis. Seismic techniques are applied in earthquake seismology, hazard assessment, oil and gas exploration, geothermal research, and monitoring of subsurface processes.