Seismite
Sediment/structure shaken seismically
Seismites are sedimentary beds and structures deformed by seismic shaking. The German paleontologist Adolf Seilacher first used the term in 1969 to describe earthquake-deformed layers. Today, the term is applied to both sedimentary layers and soft sediment deformation structures formed by shaking. This subtle change in usage accommodates structures that may not remain within a layer (i.e., clastic dikes or sand volcanos).
Caution is urged when applying the term to features observed in the field, as similar-looking features may be products of either seismic or non-seismic perturbation. Several informal classification systems exist to help geologists distinguish seismites from other soft-sediment deformation features, though a formal, standardized system has not been developed.
Geologists use seismites, in combination with other evidence, to better understand the earthquake history of an area. If age and distribution of seismically-generated features can be determined, then recurrence interval and seismic hazard risk can be assessed.
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Seismite”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
Images, from Wikimedia Commons:
- Seismite Ordovician Kentucky.jpg by Wilson44691, Public domain
- Seismite Dead Sea sediments.jpg by Wilson44691, CC0
- Seismite - Cowbell Member, Borden Formation.jpg by James St. John, CC BY 2.0
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