AIM: How do we find the epicenter of an earthquake?
OBJ: Given notes and lab SWBAT determine the
location of the epicenter of an earthquake using their
lab data with 70% accuracy
DN: Review procedures; distribute drawing compass,
pencils, lab
ACT: Complete college style FTE Lab (including
college style report, data table, questions)
HW: Complete lab write up and FTE lab quiz (Q:1-10,
scantron; due tomorrow).
College Style Report - use iPad/Phone camera
Title: Finding The Epicenter (FTE) Lab
Problem: How Do We Find An Earthquake’s
Epicenter?
Hypothesis: Given
1) the difference between P/S-wave arrival times,
2) geographic map (with the 3 seismic stations)
and
3) P/S Wave Chart,
the earthquake’s epicenter can be found.
Materials: P/S Wave Chart, Geographic Map,
drawing compass, pencil, seismic data
College Style Report - use iPad/Phone camera
Procedure:
1) You can find the distance to the epicenter for a
given location by plotting “the difference between
P/S wave arrival times” on the gridded (P/S
Wave) Chart. Enter this data on the data table.
2) Repeat step 1 for the remaining locations.
3) For each location, set the drawing compass
equal to the distance to the epicenter for that
location. Then, locate the seismic station on the
map and draw the circle.
4) Repeat step 3 for remaining locations. Where
all three circles intersect is the epicenter of the
earthquake.
Abstract “science concepts”
1) if the difference between P/S Wave
arrival times is small, the epicenter is
close but
2) if the difference between P/S wave
arrival times is large, the epicenter is
farther away.
3) Need at least 3 seismic stations to find
an earthquakes epicenter
At Least 3 Seismic Stations
1 station =
numerous
epicenters
Epicenter
5 station =
1
epicenters
Earthquake
close
Earthquake
farther away
College Style Lab Report
Analyze and Conclude Questions:
Complete Q: 1-7
FTE lab quiz:
Complete Q: 1-10, scantron