noun
- very small, continuous vibrations of the ground that are typically caused by ocean waves, wind, or other natural phenomena and are detectable only by sensitive seismographic instruments
Usage: geology; seismology
Examples
- Scientists use specialized equipment to detect microseisms in the Earth’s crust.
- Ocean waves generate microseisms that can be recorded thousands of miles inland.
- The seismometer picked up constant microseisms throughout the night.
- Researchers study microseisms to better understand ocean wave patterns.
- Background microseisms can interfere with the detection of actual earthquakes.
- Wind-generated microseisms are common in mountainous regions.