The rambunctious enthusiasm of Taylor Swift fans at a recent concert in the US literally shook the earth, generating seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake. This revelation comes from Western Washington University geology professor, Jackie Caplan-Auerbach.
Parallels to the Legendary ‘Beast Quake’
This event draws comparison to a phenomenon dubbed the ‘Beast Quake’ in 2011. Following an incredible touchdown by Marshawn ‘Beast Mode’ Lynch, Seattle Seahawks’ football fans’ explosive cheers had reportedly trembled the earth. The Swift-induced quake happened during her ‘Eras’ tour dates on July 22nd and 23rd at Seattle’s Lumen Field stadium, a venue that saw record-breaking attendance with more than 144,000 fans present.
A Familiar Pattern: The Same Seismometer Strikes Twice
Adding intrigue to the tale is the revelation that the ‘Beast Quake’ and Swift’s concert were picked up by the same local seismometer. Caplan-Auerbach reported to CNN, “I looked at data from the two concert nights and it was evident right away that the same pattern of signals were present… When overlaid, they’re nearly identical.”
The Seismic Showdown: Swifties vs. Seahawks
The difference in magnitude between the two ‘quakes’ was a mere 0.3, but, according to the geologist, the Swifties’ rumble was twice as strong as the ‘Beast Quake’. “The tremor was doubly strong as that of the Beast. It absolutely doubled it.”
The Unraveling Beat: Duration and Rhythm as the Key Differentiator
Expounding on the distinctness between the two occurrences, Caplan-Auerbach notes, “The cheers after a touchdown last a few seconds, but then they subside… But with Taylor Swift, I collected about 10 hours of data where the rhythm was dictating the behavior. The music, the speakers, the rhythm. All that energy can be driven into the ground and shake it.”
The True Power of Swifties: More Than Just Fans
The seismic activity caused by Taylor Swift’s concert is a testament to the passionate energy her fans, known as ‘Swifties’, bring to her performances. This unusual event demonstrates the extent of the physical power fans can exert, literally shaking the ground beneath them. It is a curious overlap of geology and popular culture, and a testament to the force of collective human enthusiasm.
