Exploring Broadband Seismic Data in the Classroom

This site is a collection and distribution of seismic data from several regional seismic networks, small aperture arrays and portable instrumental deployments. The webpage contains detailed information and research results for all the networks the Broadband Seismic Data Collection Center operates. Users can follow numerous seismic information links including current earthquakes recorded on the Anza network, deployment information, current projects and research, a glossary, educational activities, and additional seismic links.

Scientists use this data to provide digital recordings of high-resolution seismic data for earthquakes and to provide real-time data to the California Integrated Seismic Network (CISN), other regional networks, and to the greater San Diego Community (from ANZA 2003 Proposal).

This data can be used to teach the following topics and skills in Geophysics and Structural Geology:

• Natural hazards
• Plate tectonics
• Seismic networks
• Earthquakes

• Understanding the collection and transmission of seismic data
• Interpreting earthquake data parameters, including location, depth, and magnitude
• Using seismic data to map plate boundaries
• Using seismic data to make predictions about where an earthquake might occur
• Examining relationships between earthquake parameters and the underlying rock structure

The site provides realtime and historical data as GIF images. Data is available as maps representing location and scale of seismic activity and as a graphical representation of waveforms.

Data can be accessed by exploring several portals:

• Current Quakes

This section provides data for the ANZA network in Southern California and for the IRIS Broadband Array deployment in Venezuela. Maps can be generated for local, regional, and global events. Maps display seismic activity as squares that are color coded to represent temporal information. Square size correlates with earthquake magnitude (ranging from <2 to 8). Event tables provide further data parameters including location, depth, time, and magnitude.

• Special Events

This section provides data for recent earthquakes and aftershocks are shown on maps. Event parameters including location, depth, time and magnitude are shown and a graphical representation of waveforms is provided.

• Tools

This section provides realtime data as seismograms showing 1 hour of waveforms for stations in the ANZA network.

Maps of seismic events and graphs of waveforms can be generated and printed for comparative analyses. The images cannot be further manipulated.

Data in the form of maps or waveform graphs can be downloaded and printed. There are no programs for further manipulation of the data.

Seismometers are deployed to various locations. Data is sent via wireless communications and is archived at the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS). Information about specific sensors is provided by the Broadband Seismic Data Collection Center.

Background noise is a common source of error in seismographic data. Sensors pick up vibrations, resulting in a low noise background. The Broadband Seismic Data Collection Center provides a set of FAQs that addresses questions about the data and sources of error.

• A bibliography is available highlighting publications from the Broadband Seismic Data Collection Center.

• 'Education and Outreach Based on Data from the Anza Seismic Network in Southern California' is an article from Seismological Research Letters that describes collaborations amongst scientists and the community to provide earthquake education for the public and local school communities.

• 'Earthquake prediction: A seismic shift in thinking' is a article from Nature that discusses the debate regarding accuracy in predicting earthquakes.
• 'Mantle Convection and Plate Tectonics: Toward an Integrated Physical and Chemical Theory' is an article from Science that reviews the physics of plate tectonics.

• The Broadband Seismic Data Collection Center maintains an education section with activities of relevance to students and teachers.
• The Earth Exploration Toolbook has two chapters Investigating Earthquakes with ArcVoyager GIS and Investigating Earthquakes with ArcExplorer GIS that use USGS and IRIS data to conduct GIS analyses. Users interpret earthquake distribution and activity and analyze the potential for predicting future earthquakes.

• The Seismological Society of America website contains information on earthquakes and a collection of issues related to teaching about earthquakes.
• The USGS Earthquakes Hazard Program provides earthquake data and educational activities.
• Earthquake preparedness information is available from FEMA.