tiltmeter

[ tilt-mee-ter ]

noun

, Geology.

1. an instrument used to measure slight changes in the inclination of the earth's surface, usually in connection with volcanology and earthquake seismology.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiltmeter¹

First recorded in 1930–35; tilt ¹ + -meter

Example Sentences

Deep volcanic earthquakes were only recorded three times between Nov. 16 and on Sunday, while the deformation equipment or tiltmeter on the peak showed a horizontal pattern on the radial axis and a slight inflation on the tangential axis.

From Washington Times

The tiltmeter and GPS data showed no change in the run-up to or during the eruption.

From Nature

Next year, scientists will install a tiltmeter and other sensors in an existing borehole near the subduction zone.

From Seattle Times

A bottom-pressure tiltmeter will measure gradual changes that could indicate that the volcano is inflating, and a cutting-edge mass spectrometer will sniff the water for hints of magma rising from below.

From Nature

Slight changes in the slope of the volcano’s flanks, as measured by a device called a tiltmeter, would suggest that gases were continuing to build up below as they bubbled out of the magma, causing the surface to bulge, or were dissipating.

From New York Times