SEATTLE — Shortly after 8 p.m. last Saturday, six seismometers at CenturyLink Field recorded what is known as a “seismic signal.” The same instruments typically measure the movement or vibration of the ground generated by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions—except when the Seahawks are in the playoffs.
In this instance, Seattle receiver Doug Baldwin had caught a 13-yard touchdown from quarterback Russell Wilson to extend the Seahawks' lead to 26–6. The 68,788 fans in attendance jumped up and down and stomped their feet, ecstatic over another playoff triumph. The collective impact of their celebration registered as the largest recorded “seismic signal” of their Wild Card victory over the Lions, which meant, at that moment, they had produced ground movement similar to an earthquake.