Macro and micro Seismometry in the Mojave Desert: take nothing but readings, leave nothing but imprints
Designed to be taken on expedition in the Mojave Desert, this device operates as a portable (pseudo) scientific instrument and deployable shelter. It consists of two seismometers to be operated at separate times, one during dusk and one at night. The first is a rotating vertical seismometer which communicates the seismic activity of its surrounding by imprinting different diameter circles into the responsive, dewy sand at dusk which indicate the magnitude of that particular reading by the size of the circular imprint. It slowly draws them in a circle around the base of the device. This is the macro-seismic function of the device. This mechanism and frame are swiftly convertible into a simple shelter which in turn houses the secondary seismometer and the occupant. This device is a smaller horizontal seismometer which projects its reading of the occupant’s movement during sleep onto a roll of photo sensitive paper. This is based on an old technique tested by seismographers which involves using an optical lever and ‘burning’ marks onto paper. This mechanism uses an embedded laser pen which projects the occupant’s movements onto a roll of photosensitive paper attached to a 1hour egg-timer. This is the device’s micro-seismic function. In sum, it inhabits a foreign landscape with the aim of easily adapting its form to, and integrating with, said landscape, finally moving on and leaving no trace except a mysterious circle of conical indents in the sand.
