Did Taylor Swift fans cause an earthquake

Question

This article reports that a 2.3 magnitude earthquake occured in Seattle due to Swift's concert.

Answer 1

This is true. According to an article by the Washington Post, seismologists recorded a 2.3-magnitude earthquake. Thankfully it did not cause any damage. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2023/07/29/taylor-swift-fans-cause-earthquake/#

Answer 2

This Claim is True

The title may be a bit hyperbolic, but yes, it is correct. The main piece of evidence, being an earthquake that clocked in at 2.3 magnitude, is correct and can be confirmed on a CNN Article titled "Taylor Swift fans ‘Shake It Off,’ causing record-breaking seismic activity during Seattle show". In this article we learn the name of the aforementioned seismologist, that being Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, an associate professor in the Western Washington University's Geology department. However, while the original claim is not incorrect, it can be viewed as misleading, as stated by the USGS: 
damage does not usually occur until the earthquake magnitude reaches somewhere above a 4 or a 5". While you can classify any seismic activity that is lower than a 4 or a 5 as an earthquake, it comes off as a tad excessive.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/27/entertainment/taylor-swift-seismic-activity/index.html

https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-magnitude-does-damage-begin-occur-earthquake#:~:text=That%20being%20said%2C%20damage%20does,Energy%20Release%2C%20and%20Shaking%20Intensity

Comments

So it's a true claim, but ultimately misleading. Nice work coming to that conclusion and finding a legitimate source to back it up!

Answer 3

This claim is true. In July 2023, Swift's Seattle fans caused seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3-magnitude earthquake. Seismic data showed that the "Swift quake" was similar to the 2011 "Beast quake" caused by Seattle Seahawks fans after a touchdown made by Marshawn Lynch. The likely cause for the "Swift quake" was a combination of music, fans, and sound system. 

Answer 4

I found an article from CNN which features a statement and data from Jackie Caplan- Auerbach, a seismologist and geology professor at Western Washington University. There was a prior seismic event at Lumen Field (then CenturyLink Field), when Marshawn Lynch ran for a game- winning touchdown against the Saints in 2011. The Taylor Swift event was more powerful and more sustained. 

However, while there is no doubt seismic activity (significant), it does not qualify as an earthquake per the definition. 

According to the United States Geological Survey, "an earthquake is what happens when two blocks of earth suddenly slip past one another." USGS ... not when the ground simply shakes.

https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science-earthquakes

https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/27/entertainment/taylor-swift-seismic-activity/index.html