Introduction

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 Unit 3 and Topic B of the Regents Earth Science Program Modification contents.

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 related to the Regents curriculum. Find answers in the web sites or electronic encyclopedia you use. Then, with the “Copy” function from the “Edit” section of the menu bar, transfer the information from the web site or article to the blank space after the question. If necessary, you can then make changes in your answer.

To make things easier, you might wish to use the window size box in the upper-right corner so you can switch between the windows. WHEN YOU HAVE A QUESTION, RAISE YOUR HAND AND WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HELP.

2. Once you have answered the questions, try the “Virtual Earthquake” activity created at Cal State/Los Angeles.

3. When you are finished, send me your work :

1> Choose the SAVE AS command in the FILE to go ‘wpcsdfs1’ (G:)

2> Find mpassow from the listing

3> Select Inbox

4> Type your name in the File Name box

5> Click Save

Internet Sites to Get You Started

U.S. Geological Survey: http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/

http://www.neic.cr.usgs.gov/

http://geology.er.usgs.gov/eastern/inquiries.html

New York State Museum: www.nysm.nysed.gov/geosige.html

Lamont-Doherty Cooperative Seismographic Network:

www.ldeo.columbia.edu (In Research: Programs & Projects)

You can also find some of the information in the Encarta encyclopedia.

Questions to be Answered

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 New York?

9. What was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in New York? Anywhere?

10. Where do most earthquakes occur?

Activity

Go to http://vcourseware5.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 here.

Dr. Passow Earthquakes and the Web

Connections to the New York State MST Standards

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.

Standard 2 Information Systems

Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.

Standard 3—Mathematics

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.

Standard 4: Science

Physical Setting

1.The earth and celestial phenomena can be described by principles of relative motion and perspective.

2.Many of the phenomena that we observe on Earth involve interactions among components of air, water, and land.

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.