|
Published geological studies substantiate popular reports of preemptive seismic acoustic emissions, but can the reverse statement be true? A study was carried out to research the possibility that myths substantially and significantly inform geological research about precursory sounds associated with earthquakes. Evidence was collected for earthquakes (mag>3) occurring in northern Arizona, 1776 to 1980, including ninety-six affecting the Flagstaff area north of latitude 34°N. Sounds unrelated to mechanical resonances and falling objects were reported in 40.6%. Seventeen percent of the latter evidenced premonitory acoustic emissions (ie. prolonged thunder, heavy rumbling, a great rush of grinding), suggesting the coincidence with P-wave arrivals and a local coupling of seismic body waves into acoustic waves at the surface of the Earth. Also collected were descriptions of earthquake-related sounds occurring in the myths of Great American Desert cultures. Archaeologists and geologists consider one to narrate the experiences of events leading up and including the A.D. 1064 eruption of Palatsmo (Sunset Crater), located < 15.5 km (25 m) north of present day Flagstaff. A basic understanding of elementary physics was applied to assess the structure and meaning of this narrative. The results revealed a systematic characterization of preemptive sound signals generated by body-wave ground motion that was comparable to explanations provided by previous geological studies of the phenomena. Applying an introductory understanding of how humans perceive and characterize sounds confirmed a high degree of accuracy in describing how natural ground-generated sounds acquired cultural meaning. This differed from the previously published information. That the myth was employed as a social measure to prevent future destructions implied a predictive value for practical application during periods of geophysical and cultural stress. The project successfully determined a high degree of probability of the existence of information in the myth that informs geological research about: (1) preemptive audio emissions associated with ancient earthquakes; (2) specialized traditional instrumentation and techniques used to measure seismic acoustic emissions; and (3) techniques designed to make sense of precursory sounds, specifically to reduce local losses.
|
