When the Earth Shakes - Earthquake Simulator

Description

Our earth science exhibition focusTerra houses an earthquake simulator. With the device weighing over three tons, ground movements of earthquakes up to magnitude 8 can be simulated. The simulator is a kind of container room, furnished with tables and other movable objects, and can accommodate up to 10 people at the same time. Visitors can safely experience the phenomenon of "earthquake" on their own body based on real recorded earthquake signals. In 2006, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), with the support of the cantonal building insurance of Fribourg and the Foundation for Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, had the simulator developed and built. The earthquake simulation is intended not only to raise awareness that Switzerland is also at risk from earthquakes but also to show how to behave correctly during an earthquake. The earthquake simulator will be officially opened with lectures, experiments, guided tours, and special offers for children. -- Visiting the earthquake simulator is at your own risk. Liability by ETH Zurich is excluded. The visit is not suitable for toddlers up to 5 years old, people with back or neck problems or other ailments, and pregnant women. Children between 5 and 11 years old may only visit the simulator accompanied by an adult.