.png)
Taylor Swift at Lumen Field in Seattle on July 22. (Mat Hayward/TAS23/Getty Images)
Taylor Swift's "Eras" tour concert in Seattle last weekend caused a small seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3-magnitude earthquake, according to seismologists. Fans' enthusiastic dancing and cheering during the concert generated vibrations that were detected by sensitive seismometers. Western Washington University seismologist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach compared the event to a similar "Beast quake" caused by Seattle Seahawks football fans in 2011, noting that the Swift concert produced a longer and stronger shaking.
While the 2.3-magnitude earthquake was relatively small and did not cause any damage, it showcases how human activities, such as concerts and sports events, can create measurable vibrations in the ground. Such spikes in seismic activity have been observed at music festivals and sporting matches. During the pandemic, with reduced human activity due to lockdowns and restrictions, seismic vibrations saw a significant decline globally.
The Taylor Swift concert reportedly broke the attendance record at Lumen Field, attracting thousands of fans, resulting in a lively and energetic atmosphere. Seismologists explained that the combination of powerful speakers and the synchronized movements of the crowd likely contributed to the vibrations in the ground.
Swift has not commented on the seismic activity, but she expressed her excitement and appreciation to the Seattle audience on social media. Scientists believe that with advancements in high-precision seismic instrumentation, such events might be detected more frequently in the future, potentially distinguishing different types of concerts based on recorded data.
Taylor Swift's tour continues in California before heading to Mexico in late August. The concert's popularity has sparked discussions about ticket operators and led to high demand for tickets worldwide. Meanwhile, seismologist Caplan-Auerbach is working on a proposal to attend Beyoncé's concert at Lumen Field in September to further explore the connection between live events and seismic activity.
