PMEL Scientists Hear Japan Earthquake

Using data from two hydrophones, Dr. Bob Dziak and his acoustics team at PMEL and Oregon State University captured the sounds of the March 11 Mw 9.0 earthquake that shook Japan and sent a tsunami wave across the Pacific Ocean.  The hydrophones recorded the seismic and acoustic arrivals of the earthquake, known as P- and T-waves respectively.

To listen and learn more about P- and T-waves, please visit the Vents Acoustic Program web page.