Measuring earthquakes

Seismologists assign values for the amount of energy and the damage caused during an earthquake. We use the term magnitude to describe the energy and intensity to describe the observations that are seen or felt. Magnitude is measured using the Richter scale and intensity is measured using the Modified Mercalli scale. In class today we used the scale to assign a value based on observations from 28 cities. Once that was completed we were able to locate the zone for each value by encircling the towns for each value.

Homework!  Use your map on pg 23 to write your summary on pg 22. Be sure to answer the following questions in your summary:



• What cities were closest to the epicenter of the earthquake?


• Approximately how wide was the zone with a rating of a V or higher?


• How were you able to determine all of this? (What did you do?)


• Discuss some possible sources of error when working with the Mercalli scale to locate the epicenter of an earthquake.

Recording seismic data

Last week we investigated how a seismograoh works and how to read a seismogram. Today we wrapped up our lesson by looking at how seismologist use this data to find the epicenter.

Most damage during an earthquake comes from structures affected by the shaking. We discussed improvements that could be made in our classroom to minimize damage and keep us safe. BONUS!! On a separate piece of paper complete a safety check of your house. Choose one room or the whole thign- tell me what improvements you could make to keep damage to a minimum. This is an optional homework

Homework (everyone is to complete): Study guide questions for test on Wednesday, October 5. This page will go in your notebook on pg 19.