Virtual Field Trip (VFT) to the USGS Earthquake Hazard Program - Connection between Plate Boundaries and Threats to Life

Carlos Nunez, Brown Mackie College - Miami
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This is a partially developed activity description. It is included in the collection because it contains ideas useful for teaching even though it is incomplete.

Summary

In this VFT, students use their iPads to visit the USGS Earthquake Hazard Program to correlate the global dynamics of plate tectonics and the location of seismic activity. Depth, magnitude and location are interpreted in terms of plate boundary type. Also using the iPad, students use Google Earth Gallery to correlate volcanic activity, seismic activity, plate velocity and plate boundaries. Last, students compare and discuss the magnitudes, frequencies, plate boundaries and both life and infrastructure losses as well as preparation in major earthquakes during 2010-2011 in Chile, Japan and Haiti.

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Learning Goals

Earthquake hazards.

Context for Use

This is an in-class and group activity.

Description and Teaching Materials

In this VFT, students use their iPads to visit the USGS Earthquake Hazard Program to correlate the global dynamics of plate tectonics and the location of seismic activity. Depth, magnitude and location are interpreted in terms of plate boundary type. Also using the iPad, students use Google Earth Gallery to correlate volcanic activity, seismic activity, plate velocity and plate boundaries. Last, students compare and discuss the magnitudes, frequencies, plate boundaries and both life and infrastructure losses as well as preparation in major earthquakes during 2010-2011 in Chile, Japan and Haiti.

Teaching Notes and Tips

Assessment

References and Resources