Title: Earthquake Epicenter Lab

Introduction:

Your task will be to locate the epicenter for the earthquake using the arrival time of P-waves and S-waves from several seismic stations. Upon completion of the virtual lab, you will write a laboratory report of your results.

Problem:

How can we use seismic waves to determine the epicenter of an earthquake?

Hypothesis:

Materials and Procedures:

Open the Earthquake Epicenter lab. Read the introduction to the activity.

Once you have viewed the introduction, record a hypothesis and make predictions about what you think will happen in the lab.

Complete all instructions located within the virtual lab. If you cannot locate the epicenter, try the program again until you are successful.

Data and Observations:

After you have recorded the data for the seismographs you selected to review (Step 3 in the lab), take a screenshot of your completed data table (or print it and send it directly to your instructor). You should also take a screenshot of your attempt to locate the epicenter of your selected earthquake (Step 4 in the lab). Include this screenshot in the Data and Observations section of your lab report.

Conclusion:

If you are unsuccessful at locating the epicenter, describe how you modified your work to come to the correct answers. Record the information in your lab report.

Reflection Questions:

Answer the questions located at the end of the virtual lab activity. Be sure to record your answers in your lab report.

Why are earthquakes monitored worldwide instead of in earthquake-prone areas only?

How many seismographs are needed to find the epicenter of an earthquake? Why is this number significant?

What is the relationship between P- and S-waves?

How did the study of earthquake waves lead to a greater understanding of the interior structure of Earth?

Not all earthquakes are felt by people; however, such earthquakes are often detected on seismographs. Why?