Dr.
Passow Name
Earth
Science Partner
EARTHQUAKES AND THE WEB
Earthquakes are among Earth’s most
spectacular natural phenomena.
Understanding what causes earthquakes, how we can use earthquake waves
to learn about Earth’s interior, and other aspects of seismology (the study of earthquakes) are important parts of the
Physical Setting: Earth Science (Regents) Core Concepts and all middle and high
school curicula. In this activity, you will also
learn more about how to use the computer as a research and instruction tool.
Procedure
1. Listed below are some questions
about earthquakes and their impacts.
Using web-based and print resources, type in or paste your answers.
Be sure to provide proper
credit to both print and Internet sources.
2. Once you have answered the
questions, try the “Virtual Earthquake” activity created at
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/4kids/
http://geology.er.usgs.gov/eastern/inquiries.html
Incorporated Research
Institutes for Seismology (IRIS): www.iris.edu
You
can also find on-line information in the Encarta encyclopedia or other web
references.
1.
What is an earthquake
(fault)?
2.
What are the three major types of faults?
3.
Describe the three types of seismic waves.
4.
What is the difference between “epicenter” and “hypocenter” (“focus”) ?
5.
How can we locate where earthquakes happen?
6.
Where did earthquakes occur today?
7.
What do the Richter and Mercalli scales measure?
8.
How likely is it that we will experience an earthquake here in
9.
What was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in
10.
Where do most earthquakes occur?
Go
to http://vcourseware@calstatela.edu
Select
“Virtual Earthquake.” First, read
carefully through the information provided. Then work through the activity to
find the epicenter and Richter scale magnitude for one or two of the simulated
quakes. When you have finished, copy and
paste your certificate(s) here.
Connections to the
Standard 1 Analysis, Inquiry, and Design
Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
Measurement
1.Students use measurements in both
metric and English measure to provide a major link between the abstractions of
mathematics and the real world in order to describe and compare objects and
data.
Uncertainty
1.Students use ideas of uncertainty to
illustrate that mathematics involves more than exactness when dealing with
everyday situations.
Physical Setting
2.1a. Earth systems have
internal and external sources of energy, both of which create heat.
2.1b. The transfer of heat energy within Earth's interior results
in the formation of regions of different densities. These density differences result in motion.
2.1j. Properties of
Earth's internal structure (crust, mantle, outer core, inner core) can be
inferred from the analysis of the behavior of seismic waves (including velocity
and refraction.)
Analysis of seismic waves allows the
determination of the location of earthquake epicenters and the measurement of
earthquake intensity. This analysis leads to the inference that Earth's
interior is composed of layers that differ in composition and states of matter.
2.1k. The outward
transfer of Earth's internal heat drives convective circulation in the mantle
that moves the lithospheric plates comprising Earth's
surface.
2.1l. The lithosphere consists of separate plates
that ride on the more fluid asthenosphere and move
slowly in relationship to one another, creating convergent, divergent, and
transform plate boundaries. These
motions indicate Earth is a dynamic geologic system.
These plate boundaries are the sites of
most earthquakes, volcanoes, and young mountain ranges.
Compared to continental crust, ocean crust
is thinner and denser. New ocean crust continues to form at mid-ocean ridges.
Earthquakes and volcanoes present geologic
hazards to humans. Loss of property,
personal injury, and loss of life can be reduced by effective emergency
procedures.
2.1m. Many processes of
the rock cycle are consequences of plate dynamics. These include: production of magma (and
subsequent igneous rock formation and contact metamorphism) at both subduction and rifting regions; regional metamorphism
within subduction zones; and the creation of major
depositional basins through down-warping of the crust.
2.1n. Many of Earth's
surface features are the consequence of forces associated with plate motion and
interaction. These include: mid-ocean
ridges/rifts; subduction zones trenches/island arcs;
mountain ranges (folded, faulted, and volcanic); hot spots; and the magnetic
and age patterns in surface bedrock.
2.1o. Plate
motions have resulted in global changes in geography, climate, and the patterns
of organic evolution.
Standard 6:
Interconnectedness:
Models
1.Models are simplified
representations of objects, structures, or systems used in analysis,
explanation, interpretation, or design.
Magnitude and Scale
1.The grouping of magnitudes
of size, time, frequency, and pressures or other units of measurement into a
series of relative order provides a useful way to deal with the immense range
and the changes in scale that affect the behavior and design of systems.