The educational seismic network of GEO3BCN-CSIC and the Institut Geològic i Cartogràfic de Catalunya detected vibrations caused by fan celebrations during the World Cup final, which Spain won against Argentina with a goal from Ferran Torres in extra time. These readings do not originate from the stadium but from the match's following in bars, squares, and homes.
The exact moment of Ferran Torres' goal, scored shortly before eleven forty-five AM Catalan time, generated a remarkable peak in the Catalan seismographs' graphs, with varying magnitudes depending on the population. These events are classified as micro-earthquakes or artificial ground vibrations.
The graph also reflects other key moments of the final, such as the disallowance of a later goal and, notably, the widespread euphoria at the end of the match. Locations like Santa Coloma de Gramenet and Sabadell registered highly energetic celebrations, while in Olot and Banyoles, it was more subdued.
Data from the Sabadell seismograph, processed by Jordi Díaz of GEO3BCN-CSIC, also captured vibrations from the semi-final match against France. On that occasion, ground movements coincided with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, as well as a minor vibration during a disallowed goal.
In Barcelona, seismographs showed the evolution of the match's end by neighborhood, clearly indicating the three key moments of the final. Jordi Díaz noted it was curious that the goal celebration was so well visualized in the city center, given that the giant screen was at Fòrum.
Similar readings were detected across Spain, with synchronized patterns in cities such as Algeciras, Alcoy, and Granada, demonstrating the scale of the collective celebration.
