Seismographs are used to detect and measure earthquakes by recording the seismic waves generated. A basic seismograph consists of a drum with paper that rotates constantly, a weight attached to a pen that remains stationary during shaking, and a spring or bar connecting the weight to a fixed point. When seismic waves pass during an earthquake, the drum and paper move while the weight and pen stay still, creating squiggly lines on the paper called a seismogram. By studying multiple seismograms, seismologists can determine the location and strength of the earthquake.