Earthquakes in the Data Mountain

The phrase “more seismometers, more earthquakes, and more data” clearly shows why the Swiss Seismological Service alone produces two to three terabytes of data every year containing information about recorded earthquakes. But why do we need this mountain of data? It is used to calculate specific patterns that allow us to draw conclusions about the size distribution and geographical distribution of earthquakes. This information, in turn, serves as the basis for risk analysis and research into the exact causes and mechanisms of earthquakes. Snapshot 08 provides insights into research results that come from the growing mountain of data.