Question: A seismologist analyzing seismic wave intervals observes a repeating signal every 18 seconds and another every 30 seconds. After how many seconds will both signals align again for the first time?

Sat, 02 May 2026 20:37:10 +0000

### A seismologist analyzing seismic wave intervals observes a repeating signal every 18 seconds and another every 30 seconds. After how many seconds will both signals align again for the first time? Across scientific communities and real-time monitoring systems, subtle patterns in natural signals capture attention—and this question reflects growing curiosity about rhythm and repetition in Earth’s movements. At first glance, 18 and 30 seconds may seem unrelated, but beneath the surface lies a precise mathematical connection. This phenomenon isn’t just a curiosity—it helps researchers detect underlying patterns in seismic activity, deepening understanding of Earth’s internal dynamics. When two periodic events occur simultaneously, their alignment happens at intervals equal to the least common multiple (LCM)—the smallest time when both cycles coincide. For 18 and 30, the LCM reveals how natural rhythms sync across different frequencies. ### How to Calculate Signal Alignment: The LCM Insight