Taylor Swift’s pair of concerts in Seattle last weekend may have caused more than just an emotional ground-shaking in the Emerald City. Fans at Swift’s The Eras Tour may have been screaming, crying, and jumping so loud during the American singer’s Saturday and Sunday shows that they caused an earth-shaking equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake.
According to Jackie Captain-Auerbach, a local geology professor at Western Washington University, she observed the shaking over a 10-hour period for each concert to compare their seismic activity to the famous 2011 Beast Quake. The Beast Quake was a moment of notable fan-caused earth-shaking after former Seahawks player Marshawn Lynch scored a stunning touchdown during a major game. Captain-Auerbach confirmed that the shaking from Taylor Swift’s concerts was twice as strong as the Beast Quake.
Lumen Field, previously known as CenturyLink Field, is no stranger to loudness. As the home stadium for sports teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders Football Club (FC), Lumen Field has a history of breaking noise records. In 2013, Seahawks fans set the record for the loudest outdoor sports stadium on multiple occasions.
Swift’s recent concerts added to that legacy with the intensity of the crowd’s reaction. The seismic activity caused by the enthusiastic fans highlights the immense impact that music and live performances can have on people.
Although the concerts may have resulted in an earth-shaking experience, it is important to note that they were a testament to Taylor Swift’s immense popularity and the passionate loyalty of her fanbase. The ability to evoke such a strong emotional response and create a shared experience that resonates with thousands of people is a testament to Swift’s artistry.
While some may view the seismic activity as an interesting side-effect of the concerts, others might express concerns about potential structural damage to the venue or the potential risks associated with such intense fan reactions. However, it is essential to consider that venues like Lumen Field are designed to withstand a variety of forces and have undergone rigorous safety inspections.
Overall, Taylor Swift’s concerts in Seattle created more than just music and memories—they left a literal seismic impact. The combination of Swift’s talent and the immense energy of her fans made for an unforgettable experience that resonated not only emotionally but physically as well. It serves as a reminder of the power of live music and the ability of artists like Taylor Swift to create moments that rock not just our hearts but the very ground we stand on.
Ultimately, the seismic activity generated by the concerts adds another chapter to the history of Lumen Field and the vibrant culture of live performances in Seattle. As fans eagerly await the next unforgettable concert, it’s clear that Taylor Swift’s music has the power to move both hearts and earth, making her an unstoppable force in the music industry.
