COVID-19 lockdown leads to huge drop in seismic noise

Image: Lecocq et al. A new study by an international team of scientists has found lockdown measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 led to a 50 per cent reduction in seismic noise observed around the world. It is the largest reduction in human-generated noise ever observed globally. The researchers, including Associate Professor Meghan Miller and Professor Louis Moresi from The Australian National University (ANU), analysed datasets from over 300 seismic stations around the world. These stations use seismometers to record vibrations travelling through the ground - known as seismic waves. The study showed a reduction in seismic noise in many countries, making it possible to visualise the resulting change in human mobility - first in China, then to Italy and the rest of the world as different countries and regions implemented lockdown measures. "The drop in the 'buzz' caused by human activity is unprecedented," Associate Professor Miller said.