ShakeOut 2011: Quake Simulation at Grossmont College

Millions of people around California participated in Thursday's earthquake drills, but one of the most unusual drills simulated the sounds and vibrations of an earthquake with huge speakers at Grossmont College.

The mega-sound system, made up of 14 huge speakers assembled by Media Communications Professor Jim Papageorge and his ragtag band of audio students (I was once one of those students), reproduced the low frequency rumble of a 7.5 earthquake in the quad of Grossmont College.

The 110-130 low frequency decibels did their best to simulate the roar and vibration of an actual earthquake (the low frequency was more felt that heard, and didn't pick up too well in the attached video). But, as Papageorge said, in the event of a real earthquake the ground would be rolling up and down beneath you- not possible, or safe, to simulate with speakers.

A couple thousand students were "evacuated" to the quad where Papageorge explained a bit about earthquake safety and the Shakeout.

“The is the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history. This year, we are closing in on last year’s record of 7.9 million participants,” said Mark Benthien of the Southern California Earthquake Center.

Check out the attached videos to see the simulation, the mass "evacuation" of thousands of students, and some tips by Papageorge about earthquake safety.

You can also get information about disaster preparedness including earthquake information from the Office of Emergency Services by visiting ReadySanDiego.org.