During Taylor Swift‘s recent Eras Tour stop in Seattle, her passionate fans caused seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake, according to seismologist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach from Western Washington University. The phenomenon, playfully dubbed the “Swift Quake,” is drawing comparisons to the famous “Beast Quake” of 2011, sparked by an exhilarating touchdown by Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch.
On the first two nights of her Seattle concerts, Taylor Swift performed her hit song “Shake It Off,” prompting her devoted fans to do exactly that. The enthusiastic response from the crowd generated seismic signals that were identical on both nights, making it evident that the ground was indeed shaking due to the concert’s impact.
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Caplan-Auerbach, a geology professor, compared the “Swift Quake” to the “Beast Quake,” noting that while the magnitude difference between the two events is only 0.3, Taylor Swift’s concert clearly outperformed the football-related seismic activity. The shaking during the concerts was twice as strong as the celebrated sports moment.
Explaining the reason behind the significant seismic activity, Caplan-Auerbach highlighted the duration and rhythmic nature of the concert. While cheering after a touchdown lasts for a brief moment, the energy from a concert can persist for hours. Swift’s music, the powerful speakers, and the energetic beats all contributed to the ground-shaking phenomenon.
The Eras Tour has been an immense success, drawing fans from all over the country to experience Taylor Swift’s electrifying performances. After the Seattle shows, the tour is heading to its final domestic stop with six performances scheduled in Los Angeles during early August. Following the U.S. leg, the tour will go international, kicking off in Mexico City on August 24.
Taylor Swift’s ability to captivate her audience and elicit such an exuberant response from her fans is a testament to her status as a global superstar. Her concerts are not only awe-inspiring musically but are now also being recognized for their seismic impact, making them truly unforgettable experiences for all who attend.