Seismic magnitude scales the amount of slip, the area of the surface ruptured or slipped, and a factor for the resistance or friction encountered. These factors can be estimated for an existing fault to determine the magnitude of past earthquakes, or what might be anticipated for the future. An earthquake's seismic moment can be estimated in various ways, which are the bases of the M, M, M, M, M, M, and M scales, all subtypes of the generic M scale. See for details. Seismic moment is considered the most objective measure of an earthquake's "size" in regard of total energy. However, it is
Seismic vibrator measured in pound-force. To transmit a maximum force to the ground and prevent the shaker from bumping, part of the weight of the vibrator is applied to the shaker. Seismic vibrator A seismic vibrator is a truck-mounted or buggy-mounted device that is capable of injecting low-frequency vibrations into the earth. It is one of a number of seismic sources used in reflection seismology. The ‘Vibroseis’ exploration technique (performed with vibrators) was developed by the Continental Oil Company (Conoco) during the 1950s and was a trademark until the company's patent lapsed. Today, seismic vibrators are used to perform about half of