Question

is this a sentence fragment?
using instruments called geophones, scientists measuring seismic waves caused by traffic to learn how urban life affects the earth.
yes no

Explanation:

To determine if it's a sentence fragment, we check for a complete predicate (verb). The phrase "scientists measuring seismic waves..." has "measuring" as a participle (not a main verb), so the sentence lacks a finite verb (e.g., "are measuring" would make it complete). Thus, it's a fragment.

Answer:

yes