Virtual Earthquake Lab
______ / 20 Lab Grade
Name _______________________________________________Date________________
Period________
Purpose: This activity will have you take a look at actual date that scientists use to determine the epicenter and
the magnitude of earthquakes. You will analyze the data and go through the same process that scientists use to
calculate this information. It is crucial that you carefully read all the directions on this page and on the
website.
Procedure:
1.
Login to the computer
2.
Start Internet (click on it)
3.
Type in http://www.sciencecourseware.com/VirtualEarthquake this will take you to the opening page of
the lab. (or find it on my website next to today’s date)
4.
Scroll down to “Execute Virtual Earthquake” and click on it.
5.
READ the page that comes up. Answer the questions:
a. Where do most earthquakes occur?
b. What are the scientific instruments used to record earthquakes?
6.
Pick the city you wish to destroy. Write your choice here_____________________.
7.
Click Submit Your Choice.
8.
READ the page that comes up. Answer the question:
a. Define the “S-P interval”
9.
Click View Seismograms when you are done.
10.
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE!!!! Click Convert S-P
Interval when finished. In the space below record your S-P intervals:
1.
2.
3.
11.
READ the page that comes up and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS. Answer the question:
a. How long does it take an S-wave to travel 300 km?
b. How long does it take the P wave to travel this same distance?
Record your Epicenteral Distance in the Space Below:
1.
2.
12.
3.
Click Find Epicenter when you are done.
13.
If you get the “Very Close” of “Excellent Work” message click View True Epicenter. If you get the
“Oops” click Re-measure S-P Interval and fix your data.
14.
Click Compose Richter Magnitude.
15.
READ the screen that comes up.
a. Define Magnitude:
16.
Click Go To Next Page.
17.
Record the Amplitude of your three locations in the space below:
1.
2.
3.
18.
When you are done, click Submit to Nomogram.
19.
Follow Directions: When are done, click Confirm Magnitude.
20.
Answer the following questions:
a. When did your earthquake occur?
b. What was the earthquake called?
c. What were the effects of the earthquake?
21.
Fill out the data sheet for your certificate.
22.
Raise your hand and wait for Mrs. Price and she will check your certificate!
Congratulations you are now Seismologist! 
Teacher Initials: ________