LESSON 12
R E C O R D I N G E A R T H Q U A K E W AV E S
Inquiry Master 12.3
Locating the Epicenter of an Earthquake
(Answer Key)
Directions Three different seismograph stations (A, B, and C) recorded an earthquake. Follow [SG]
Procedure Steps 7 through 11 of Inquiry 12.3 to complete Table 1.
Table 1 Earthquake Data
Seismograph Station
Time of Arrival at Station
Primary Wave
Secondary Wave
(P-wave)
(S-wave)
S-wave minus
P-wave
Distance to the
Epicenter
(km)
A. Sitka, AK
8:07
8:11
4 minutes
2500
B. Charlotte, NC
8:08
8:13
5 minutes
3500
C. Honolulu, HI
8:09
8:15
6 minutes
4500
Directions Follow Procedure Steps 12 through 16 of Inquiry 12.3 in the Student Guide and use the
map below to locate and mark the earthquake’s epicenter.
A
Sitka
B
Charlotte
C
Honolulu
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
kilometers
© 2000 National Academy of Sciences
STC/MS™ C ATA S T R O P H I C E V E N T S
173
LESSON 12
R E C O R D I N G E A R T H Q U A K E W AV E S
Name:
Class:
Date:
Student Sheet 12.1
How Earthquake-Resistant Is Your Home or School?
Directions Assume that your home or classroom is located in a high-risk area for earthquakes. Use
the checklist to determine how earthquake-resistant your home or school is. Then complete
Questions 1 and 2.
Checklist for Earthquake Resistance
Items To Check
Questions To Ask Yourself
Yes
Bookshelves
Are they secured to the wall?
Cabinets
Are they built in or fastened to the wall?
Heavy objects
If they are stored on shelves or in cabinets, are they stored in low
cabinets so that they are not above your head?
Glass
Are there any mirrors or glass near your living area or classroom
seating area?
Television monitors
and computers
Are they securely attached to a table, cabinet, or desk? If they are
on a cart, are the wheels locked?
Picture frames and
wall hangings
Are they securely attached to the wall?
Hanging plants
Are they in lightweight pots?
Chemicals
Are they safely stored in locked cabinets?
No
1. Look outside your home or school. Here are the places to avoid if an earthquake hits. Put a
check () next to those that you see:
Brick chimney
____
Outside decorations and large signs
____
Large windows
____
Free-standing walls
____
Power lines
____
Large trees
____
2. Using the above information, create a plan. What could you do to make your home or school
more “quake-proof”? Where would you go if there was an earthquake? Write or draw your plan on
the back of this student sheet.
174 STC/MS™ C ATA S T R O P H I C E V E N T S
© 2000 National Academy of Sciences
LESSON 12
R E C O R D I N G E A R T H Q U A K E W AV E S
Name:
Class:
Date:
Student Sheet 12.3
Locating the Epicenter of an Earthquake
Directions Three different seismograph stations (A, B, and C) recorded an earthquake. Follow
Procedure Steps 7 through 11 of Inquiry 12.3 to complete Table 1.
Table 1 Earthquake Data
Seismograph Station
Time of Arrival at Station
Primary Wave
Secondary Wave
(P-wave)
(S-wave)
A. Sitka, Alaska
8:07
8:11
B. Charlotte, N.C.
8:08
8:13
C. Honolulu, Hawaii
8:09
8:15
S-wave minus
P-wave
Distance to the
Epicenter
(kilometers)
4 minutes
2500
Directions Follow Procedure Steps 12 through 16 of Inquiry 12.3 in the Student Guide and use the
map below to locate and mark the earthquake’s epicenter.
A
Sitka
B
Charlotte
C
Honolulu
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
kilometers
© 2000 National Academy of Sciences
STC/MS™ C ATA S T R O P H I C E V E N T S
175