Museum Tells More of Quakes’ Power

Since November, 1986, an estimated 48,000 moderate-to-serious earthquakes have rumbled across one little corner of South Los Angeles. And the level of seismic activity at the Museum of Science and Industry in Exposition Park increased even more Friday.

That’s because the museum’s popular earthquake exhibit, which includes a quake simulator, has expanded. The free hands-on display makes it clear why and how a high-rise must wobble during a temblor so it won’t fall down.

The exhibit now includes an earthquake machine that rocks models of a house, a 15-story building and a 30-story structure. In addition, there is a computer quake simulator like the ones engineers use to design buildings. Visitors to the museum also can learn what causes earthquakes and how to prepare for them.