A seismograph installed in Sabadell has recorded the tremor caused by the euphoria of the fans during the World Cup semi-final. The device, linked to the CSIC, captured vibration peaks coinciding with the goals of the Spanish team.
Last Wednesday, while the Spanish team was fighting for a place in the World Cup final, a seismograph located in Sabadell was not shaking due to the earth, but because of the people. The device, managed by the Educational Seismic Network of GEO 3 Barcelona and housed in the Vallès Institute of Sabadell, recorded a sequence of vibrations that scientists have identified as the seismic footprint of collective euphoria.
The study, released by researchers from the CSIC, shows that the most intense peak occurred at 21:23, just when Mikel Oyarzabal scored Spain's first goal. From that point on, the tracing did not stop oscillating: between 22:20-22:30, two new increases coincided with Pedro Porro's goal and the disallowance of a goal by Lamine Yamal. The climax came at 23:02, three minutes after the final whistle, with a triple peak reflecting the explosion of joy in the streets.
A Social Thermometer in Sabadell
The seismograph, designed to detect tectonic movements, does not distinguish emotions; it measures energy. When dozens or hundreds of people jump, shout, or honk horns, those vibrations are transmitted to the ground and recorded as small seismic signals. According to the network's managers, the pattern of the night was exceptionally clear, with pinpoint peaks for each goal and a final wave that lasted several minutes.
This type of data has a dual reading: on one hand, it is an indirect indicator of the social impact of a sporting event; on the other, it constitutes noise that seismic monitoring specialists must filter to avoid confusing it with real tectonic activity. The episode in Sabadell is a perfect example of how scientific technology can also be used to measure civic passion.
Science at the Service of the Fans
Beyond the anecdote, the record underscores a simple and relevant idea: large human gatherings leave a mark even on instruments designed for the Earth. CSIC researchers have published the image of the tracing as a document of public interest, and they are already wondering if the final on Sunday will generate another celebration earthquake. In Sabadell, at least, the seismograph will be on alert.
For the residents of Sabadell, the news has a special flavour: the device that measured their joy is in their city, at the Vallès Institute. And sometimes, science and football dance to the same rhythm. However, seismologists hope the team does not take too seriously the idea of shaking the earth: a real earthquake will be filtered out.
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