During the Seattle shows, Taylor Swift enthusiasts enthusiastically ‘Shake It Off,’ resulting in unprecedented seismic activity and breaking records.
Taylor Swift fans are making waves with their extraordinary enthusiasm as the singer’s “Eras” tour continues to break records. During the two electrifying nights at Lumen Field in Seattle, these devoted Swifties caused seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake, as reported by seismologist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach.
The seismic event has drawn comparisons to the famous “Beast Quake” in 2011 when Seattle Seahawks fans erupted with joy after an impressive touchdown by running back Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch. Interestingly, both celebrations were detected on the same local seismometer, as Caplan-Auerbach explained.
A geology professor at Western Washington University, Caplan-Auerbach noticed the similarity between the seismic patterns during the Swift concerts and the “Beast Quake” after seeing discussions in a Pacific Northwest earthquake group she moderates on Facebook.
Upon analyzing the data from both nights of the concert, Caplan-Auerbach found striking resemblances. She also discovered that the slight magnitude difference of 0.3 between the two events is overshadowed by the intensity of the Swifties’ shaking, which was twice as strong as the “Beast Quake.”
The key distinction lies in the duration of the shaking. While football fans’ excitement dissipates after a few seconds, the continuous rhythm and energy of a concert, including the music, speakers, and beat, can resonate with the ground for hours, amplifying the seismic impact.
Caplan-Auerbach is thrilled not only by the fascinating scientific discovery but also by the opportunity to demystify science for the public. She emphasizes that science is not confined to laboratory settings but is evident in everyday observations and experiences.
CNN’s Chloe Melas, who attended one of Taylor Swift’s Seattle concerts, shared her firsthand experience as a concertgoer. The ground-shaking intensity left a lasting impression on her, and she described the experience as unlike anything she had encountered before.
Taylor Swift herself expressed her gratitude to the enthusiastic Seattle audience in an Instagram post, acknowledging the incredible energy they brought to the shows.
As the “Eras” tour reaches its domestic conclusion, Taylor Swift’s achievements continue to mount. From boosting local economies to setting attendance records, the tour has been a resounding success. After Santa Clara in Northern California, Swift will head to Los Angeles for six shows before taking her tour international, starting with a show in Mexico City on August 24.
