Seismic/Eruption Classroom Teaching Strategies

1

Teaching About Earthquakes and Volcanoes Using
the Seismic/Eruption Computer Program CSTA,
Pasadena Larry Braile

2
Seismic/Eruption
Seismic/Eruption includes up-to-date earthquake
and volcanic eruption catalogs and allows the
user to display earthquake and volcanic eruption
activity in speeded up real time on
global, regional or local maps that also show
the topography of
the area in a shaded
relief
map image.

Seismic/Eruption is an
interactive
program that
includes a number of tools

that allow the user to
analyze
earthquake and
volcanic eruption data and

produce effective displays
to
illustrate seismicity and
volcano
patterns. This ppt
http//web.ics.purdue.edu/braile/new/SeisVolE2010
CSTA.ppt
3
Seismic/Eruption Features

1. View earthquakes and eruptions, select range of
   dates, magnitudes, color code depth
2. Use standard views provided with program to
   explore areas and tectonic settings
3. Update earthquake locations from Internet
4. Make Your Own Map option
5. Display/add shaded relief topography
6. Make cross-section diagrams and 3-D views
7. Select earthquake data for statistical analysis
8. Save views, export images, make posters

4
Mini-Poster (created with Seismic/Eruption with
some labeling added to exported map image) of
California and Nevada Earthquakes. Poster size
25x28 cm (or larger) after color photocopy
enlargement.
5
Demonstration of some features and capabilities
of the Seismic/Eruption software
6
Seismic/Eruption Classroom Teaching Strategies
Connections to other activities/lessons Teachabl
e Moment Student Presentations Commercial,
Travel Brochure Student Research
Projects/Questions Science Fair Projects
7
Connections to other
activities/lessons
Seismic Waves
Plate Tectonics
Seismographs
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Plate Puzzle
Earth Structure
Earthquake Location
8
Bay Area Earthquakes
Bay Area Earthquakes Seismic-Eruption Make your
own map option
USGS SIM 2848
9
Teachable Moment
Within hours after the February 28,
2001 Nisqually earthquake (large blue dot near
Olympia), this map illustrating the historical
seismicity of the Pacific Northwest was produced.
A cross-section was prepared showing the
earthquakes in the white rectangle.
10
Teachable Moment
This cross section diagram (vertical axis is
depth in km) created using Seismic/Eruption
illustrates the plate tectonic setting of the
Pacific Northwest and the Nisqually earthquake
(white dot).
11
Student Presentations Commercial
Assign students to select a state, region or
country and prepare a commercial (with visual
aids) encouraging people to visit their area.
The commercial should provide information on the
plate tectonic, earthquake and volcano
attractions of the area and the history of
these events. Appropriate attention should be
given to hazard awareness and safety what to
do in case of an earthquake, etc.
Earthquake map of Utah created with the Make
Your Own Map feature of Seismic/Eruption
12
Student Presentations Travel Brochure
13
(No Transcript)
14
(No Transcript)
15
Science Fair Projects Extensive Research
Kuril and Kamchatka Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Eq and Volc. Statistics
EQ Cross- Section
16
Magnitude of earthquake is controlled by fault
length that ruptures (data for diagram generated
using Seismic/Eruption program)
Student Research Projects/Questions
Magnitude versus fault length (determined from
aftershock zone length) for various earthquakes
(Alaska, 1964 Sumatra, 2004 Denali, 2002
Landers, 1992 Loma Prieta, 1989 Northridge,
1994, etc.). Results were quickly obtained using
Seismic/Eruption views.
Magnitude versus fault length
Alaska, 1964
Sumatra, 2004
Denali, 2002
Landers, 1992
Loma Prieta, 1989
Northridge, 1994
17
Student Research Projects/Questions
After a significant earthquake, how long will the
aftershocks last? How large are the aftershocks
likely to be? (Feb. 3, 1965, M8.7 Rat Island,
Alaska, earthquake)
18
Research on EarthquakesFrequency of earthquakes
19
Worldwide earthquakes per year (from USGS)
Descriptor Magnitude Average Annually
Great 8 and higher 1 ¹
Major 7 - 7.9 17 ²
Strong 6 - 6.9 134 ²
Moderate 5 - 5.9 1319 ²
Light 4 - 4.9 13,000 (est.)
Minor 3 - 3.9 130,000 (est.)
Very Minor 2 - 2.9 1,300,000 (est.)
¹ Based on observations since 1900. ² Based on observations since 1990. ¹ Based on observations since 1900. ² Based on observations since 1990. ¹ Based on observations since 1900. ² Based on observations since 1990.
20
Worldwide earthquakes per year
21
Worldwide earthquakes per year
How many M6 earthquakes each
year?
6
22
Worldwide earthquakes per year
How many M6 earthquakes each
year?
150
6
23
Research on Earthquakes
24
Research on Earthquakes