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muriel_volestrangler

(104,040 posts)
4. Detection of quakes and tremors is basically detecting low frequency sound waves
Fri Feb 17, 2012, 11:28 AM
Feb 2012
Human beings can detect sounds in the frequency range 20-20,000 Hertz. If a P wave refracts out of the rock surface into the air, and it has a frequency in the audible range, it will be heard as a rumble. Most earthquake waves have a frequency of less than 20 Hz, so the waves themselves are usually not heard. Most of the rumbling noise heard during an earthquake is the building and its contents moving.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/facts.php

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