Seismology Instruction with the AS 1

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       Getting Started

Introduction

     The AS 1 System was designed and built to make the science of seismology accessible to 

individuals and schools at a reasonable cost.  With the AS 1 seismometer, you will be able to 

record and analyze earthquakes.  In the classroom, the instrument will allow students to watch 

a quake roll in as it is occurring.  Students will be able to watch a current event unfold, long 

before the media reports begin.

     The AS 1 seismometer combined with the AmaSeis software allows real time recording 

of seismic events and simplifi es data analysis.  The AmaSeis software automatically stores the 

ground movements so that the earthquake can be extracted and analyzed at a later time.  The 

AS 1 System will record local quakes as small as magnitude 3.5 at a distance of 150 km, and 

quakes magnitude 6.5 or larger that occur anywhere in the world.

     This manual will take you through the setup, software installation, and use of your AS 1 

System.  It will also give you an introduction to seismogram interpretation and analysis.

Seismometer Location

     There are two important location considerations:

   Seismometer

     Find a suitable location for the seismometer, preferably where local vibrations from people 

or machinery are at a minimum.  Vibrations can be caused by air conditioning units, traffi c, 

construction, or weather.  The vibrations, called seismic noise, can hide seismic signals from 

smaller events.  The best surface for the seismometer is a concrete or stone fl oor, in a location 

free of extreme temperature variations.   A back room or storage closet out of the way is 

an ideal location for the instrument for optimal recordings.  The seismometer can be out on 

display in a public place so that students can see it in operation, but the trade off is that fewer 

earthquakes may be detected because of increased local vibration.

AmaSeis Version 1.0 Level 2005.05.19

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