Seismometer Collection

Portable seismometer in use, 1973
A modern model of Zhang Hengs apparatus for detecting earthquakes. The model is from the Science Museums collections

Astronaut taking a reading from a machine

Illustration of Italian seismometer invented in 1751

SEISMOGRAPH, c1920. American seismograph for detecting earthquakes. Photograph, c1920

Diagram illustrating ten different geological measurement devices, c1970
GEOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS. Diagram illustrating ten different geological measurement devices, c1970

East Pacific Rise, topographic map
East Pacific Rise. Topographic map of the seabed of the Pacific Ocean around part of the East Pacific Rise (red), a mid-ocean ridge that runs northwards from near Antarctica to the Gulf of

Seismometer, artwork
Seismometer. Artwork showing the basic principle of a seismometer, a device used to record earthquakes. A heavy weight (spherical) is suspended on a spring

Seismic measuring device, Nisyros volcano
Seismic measuring device in the crater of the Nisyros volcano. It is covered in sulphur deposits. Photographed on the Greek island of Nisyros

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From the historic Italian seismometer of 1751 to modern portable devices, seismology has come a long way. Witness an astronaut taking a reading from a machine in 1973, as we journey through the evolution of seismic measuring tools. The American seismograph, a marvel of scientific equipment from the 1920s, revolutionized earthquake detection. In this diagram from the 1970s, ten different geological measurement devices are illustrated, with the seismometer taking center stage. The East Pacific Rise, a hotspot for seismic activity, is depicted in this topographic map. This artwork showcases a seismometer in action, capturing the vibrations of the earth at Nisyros volcano. As we look back at the history of seismology, we are reminded of the importance of these instruments in understanding the dynamic processes of our planet.