Locating the epicenter of an earthquake using seismic data _ _ s _or_ _han jus_ w_ggl_s Unlocki 1 ng 2 the secre 3 t 4 s of a seismogram 5 … Prepared by Michael Hubenthal, Educational Specialist

Variation on a theme - But worth it! Real data from recent events Real data from recent events Three-component seismograms (graphing) Three-component seismograms (graphing) Applications of seismic wave knowledge Applications of seismic wave knowledge Collaborative groups Collaborative groups Multiple Scales Multiple Scales Connections to the big picture Connections to the big picture

What type of prior knowledge would you want or expect your students to have prior to running an EQ location lab with them?

Accessing real data… rev.seis.sc.edu/

Interpreting The Data 3-components

10SeisMac

Interpreting The Data

P S

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

Learning is about making connections between prior knowledge and new experiences