Overview

In this section you will find materials that support the implementation of EarthComm, Section 11: Detecting Earthquake Waves.

Learning Outcomes

• Carry out an investigation of seismic waves by constructing a simple seismometer and measuring device.
• Analyze and interpret seismic data on a seismogram to determine patterns in P wave and S wave travel times.
• Gather information about how seismic waves provide evidence for the structure and composition of Earth’s interior.

Inquiring Further

1. To learn more about the history of earthquake studies, visit the following web sites:

"The Early History of Seismometry (to 1900)" by James Dewey and Perry Byerly, USGS  
Series of "chapters" which detail the early development of instruments used to detect and measure earthquake activity.

A Brief History of Seismology to 1910, Institute for Crustal Studies, University of California at Santa Barbara
Read about early explanations for earthquakes and the start of the "modern era" of seismology around 1750. Follow the development of the science of earthquake study.
 

2. To learn more about recent seismic activity and how seismic waves travel through the Earth, visit the following web sites:

Latest Earthquakes, USGS
Updated list by date, magntude, location, and depth. Zoom in and out of map or select region from menu.

Seismic Monitor, IRIS Consortium, University of Washington
Map is updated every 30 minutes - shows locations of earthquakes as well as seismic events on or near nuclear test sites. Also include earthquake news and teachable moments.

Seismometers, Seismographs, and Seismograms, etc., USGS
Use the Earthquake Glossary to see how seismographs work, how P and S waves move and learn to read Travel-Time curves.
 

3. To learn more about how seismograms are used to find the distance to an earthquake epicenter, visit the following web sites:

Welcome to Virtual Earthquake, California State University
Provides an interactive Web-based activity designed to introduce you to the concepts of how an earthquake epicenter is located and how the Richter Magnitude of an earthquake is determined. Also includes other tutorials such as P-S wave lag time.

Epicenter: Determine the Precise Location of the Epicenter of an Earthquake, IRIS
Watch a short video about how to determine the precise location of the epicenter of an earthquake.

Resources

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:

Seismometers

Seismometers, Seismographs, and Seismograms, etc., USGS
Use the Earthquake Glossary to see how seismographs work, how P and S waves move and learn to read Travel-Time curves.

"The Early History of Seismometry (to 1900)" by James Dewey and Perry Byerly, USGS  
Series of "chapters" which detail the early development of instruments used to detect and measure earthquake activity.

A Brief History of Seismology to 1910, Institute for Crustal Studies, University of California at Santa Barbara
Read about early explanations for earthquakes and the start of the "modern era" of seismology around 1750. Follow the development of the science of earthquake study.

Interpreting Seismograms

How Do I Read a Seismogram?, USGS
This video will help you learn to read seismograms.

Seismographic Networks Improve Volcano Warnings, USGS
Descriptions of how seismometry is used to monitor volcanic eruptions. Contains good images of technology.

Different Processes: Different Seismic Signals, USGS
Learn how to distinguish the seismic signal from a landslide compared to a glacier sliding or an actual tectonic event.