Measuring Earthquakes
http://www.data.scec.org/Module/s3act01.html


In this activity, students work through two exercises that will demonstrate the construction of intensity maps, familiarize them with the basic Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, and give them the opportunity to build their own maps online for the purpose of locating the epicenter of an earthquake. In the first exercise, the students will construct an isoseismal map using a background map of southern California which has pre-plotted intensity values taken from the magnitude 5.6 Palm Springs earthquake of July, 1989. In the second exercise, they will plot their own intensity values, construct an isoseismal map using an online application, and attempt to locate the epicenter of the earthquake. A materials list, instructions, and links to additional information are supplied.

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This resource originally cataloged at:

DLESE

Resource Type: Activities:Classroom Activity
Grade Level: College Lower (13-14), High School (9-12), Middle (6-8)