EARTHQUAKE WEBQUEST
NAME_______________________________________________________
TASK #1
http://express.howstuffworks.com/wq-earthquake.htm
Use this website to answer the following questions. Make sure the questions are
answered in complete sentences!
1. Around 1912, German meteorologist Alfred Wegener developed a theory called
continental drift. He believed that about 225 million years ago, giant landmasses
gradually shifted and broke apart to form the continents as we know them today.
How many original "supercontinents" did Wegener's theory of continental drift
assume?
2. The Earth's crust is made up of a series twelve interconnected landmasses are
called tectonic plates. What are the major plates that affect the United States?
3. Check out this hazard map showing probability for earthquakes. Why do you think
California has so many earthquakes but Florida doesn't? In what hazard zone is
your home located?
4. What is considered to be the most destructive earthquake in history? When did it
occur, where was it, what was its magnitude and how many people died?
5. What are the three basic types of plate boundaries? Describe each briefly.
6. What are tsunamis, what causes them and how fast do they travel?
7. What are the two types of energy waves created by an earthquake and how do they
differ? Which type of wave travels faster?
8. What are the two types of surface waves produced by an earthquake?
9. How much more energy is released by a 7.2 earthquake than by a 6.2 earthquake?
10. What applications does seismology have besides measuring the magnitude and
location of earthquakes?
11. Where did most of the earthquakes happen last week?
12. Can scientists predict earthquakes?
13. How do scientists know where an earthquake actually occurred?
TASK #2
http://www.sciencecourseware.com/VirtualEarthquake/VQuakeExecute.html
Mr. Hansen’s
Please understand that you MUST CAREFULLY READ EVERYTHING and
DO THE EXAMPLE PROBLEMS to see if you understand HOW they got
Initials
the answer. Be very careful with your calculations because accuracy is a
must and will keep you from completing this assignment correctly. When
you are done with the assignment you will be asked to enter your name (FIRST & LAST Please!) to print
off a certificate of completion – You must show me your certificate and have me initial above in order to
get credit for the assignment. You DO NOT need to print it off. Just raise your hand and call me over
when your certificate is up on the screen (with your date and data listed on it) and I will initial above.
Please make sure that this certificate has your data and the actual data comparison chart underneath it as
well as your name or you will NOT get credit for this assignment.
TASK #3
http://www.sciencecourseware.org/eec/earthquake/
After completing the initial virtual earthquake, you are now ready to make your own measurements. First
click on “Main Activities: Demonstration.” Go through the demonstration on how to use the tools for the
Travel Time and Epicenter and Magnitude Activities.
Once complete with the demonstration, complete the Travel Time Activity and Epicenter and Magnitude
Activity.
When finished with both activities, print the lab sheets for credit.
TASK #4
http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/earthquakes.shtm
Are you prepared? Use the article to answer the following questions:
1. What is earthquake magnitude?
2. If an earthquake measures a 4.0 how much more powerful is this earthquake than one that
measured 2.0? (use the example listed with the definition to help you calculate the answer)
Answer = ______ times more powerful
Write down two protective measures (from the many listed here) that you feel are the most important for
you to take care of in the following situations:
Take the Knowledge
Before an earthquake I…
During an earthquake I...
After an earthquake I…
Check
by reading the questions and writing
the correct answer (letter) below.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
______
______
______
______
______
______
I will check these for correctness – use
the article to help you determine the
best place to go during an earthquake.