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- Students will learn what types of waves earthquakes generate, how these waves travel through Earth, and how seismologists record motion from earthquakes.
- This lesson begins with a set of slides describing the various types of seismic waves generated by earthquakes and how these earthquakes travel through Earth. The motion of P and S body waves can be demonstrated in the classroom using a Slinky (see References and Resources, below, for more information). Propagation of these waves through the entire planet is shown using an animation from Alan Jones’ Seismic Waves program. Seismic data from a station in southern California is used to explore how noise affects our ability to record useful signals for studying earthquakes. The slide set ends with some information about a nationwide program to record seismic data using a moving set of seismometers called US Array.
- This activity was developed for use in a high school (grades 9-12) earth science class. The goal of this lesson is for students to learn about seismic waves and seismograms. Lesson duration: 45 minutes.
- Student completion of the accompanying worksheet can be used for assessment. The following lesson “Earthquake Lesson: Earthquake Location” requires an understanding of P and S waves.
- The Seismogram Basics activity is a worksheet for students to complete. It begins with a brief review of the properties of the various types of seismic waves (previously covered in the accompanying slide set) and then asks the students to examine a set of seismograms recorded for an earthquake in Samoa. The seismometer that recorded these waveforms is located in San Diego, and the students may be surprised that motion can be recorded at such large distances from the earthquake. After observing the example seismogram (showing a record of the 2010 Chile earthquake), the students are asked to find the P, S, and surface waves on the Samoa seismograms and to answer several questions about the properties of such waves.
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Seismic Surface Waves
US Array Transportable Seismographs
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- Grade Level: 9-12
- Time Frame: 45 minutes
- California Science Standard 3d: "Plate tectonics operating over geologic time has changed the patterns of land, sea, and mountains on Earth’s surface. As the basis for understanding this concept: Students know why and how earthquakes occur and the scales used to measure their intensity and magnitude."
- California Science Standard 9b: "The geology of California underlies the state’s wealth of natural resources as well as its natural hazards. As a basis for understanding this concept: Students know the principal natural hazards in different California regions and the geologic basis of those hazards."
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Design EarthRef.org
Sponsored by NSF and NSDL
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