Assignment 23: Locating an Earthquakes Epicenter

Introduction 

Earthquakes occur because of the sudden release of stored energy. During an earthquake, seismic waves are sent all over the globe. Though they may weaken with distance, seismographs are sensitive enough to still detect these waves. In order to determine the location of an earthquake epicenter, seismographs from at least three different places are needed for a particular event.

Scientists use triangulation to find the epicenter of an earthquake. When seismic data is collected from at least three different locations, it can be used to determine the epicenter by where it intersects. Every earthquake is recorded on numerous seismographs located in different directions. Each seismograph records the times when the first (P waves) and second (S waves) seismic waves arrive. From that information, scientists can determine how fast the waves are traveling. Knowing this helps them calculate the distance from the epicenter to each seismograph. To determine the direction each wave traveled, scientists draw circles around the seismograph locations. The radius of each circle equals the known distance to the epicenter. Where these three circles intersect is the epicenter. 

Directions: 

1) This assignment is designed to assist you in learning the concepts of this module as well as assess your understanding and application of the content. 

2) This assignment has no time limit for completion and does not have to be completed in one sitting. Please do not click "Submit Assignment" until you have completed it. 

3) This assignment must be completed by the due date assigned or the course late policy will be applied. 

4) To begin this assignment, click the "Take the Quiz" button below.