Locating the epicenter of an earthquake using seismic data

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Locating the epicenter of an earthquake using
seismic data
Unlocki1ng2 the secre3t4s of a seismogram5

• _ _ s _or_ _han jus_ w_ggl_s
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Prepared by Michael Hubenthal, Educational
Specialist
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Variation on a theme - But worth it!

• Real data from recent events
• Three-component seismograms (graphing)
• Applications of seismic wave knowledge
• Collaborative groups
• Multiple Scales
• Connections to the big picture

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What type of prior knowledge would you want or
expect your students to have prior to running an
EQ location lab with them?
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Accessing real data
rev.seis.sc.edu/
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Interpreting The Data
3-components
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SeisMac
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Interpreting The Data
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Interpreting The Data
P
S
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Locating the Epicenter

• Locate each seismic station on the globe/map
• Identify S and P waves on seismogram
• Determine S-P time (convert to sec)
• Use travel time curve to determine distance from
  epicenter
• Use string to determine possible locations
• Compare with other group members

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A study by Delaughter et al. found that the vast
majority of undergraduate students used plates or
plate tectonics in responses describing what an
earthquake is. However, when asked to explain
why earthquakes occur where they do, only 41 of
students gave responses indicating that the
presence of faults or plate edges in the vicinity
of their chosen location was the cause (1998).
Is traditional instruction enough?
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Learning is about making connections between
prior knowledge and new experiences
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