ACTIVITY #1: Online Investigation - Exploring Major Earthquakes of the Recent Past

Procedure:
1. Choose ONE of the three articles to read and then answer the questions in complete sentences on a piece of notebook paper.  BE SURE TO WRITE THE TITLE OF THE ARTICLE YOU CHOSE AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.
2. You will be sharing your findings back in the classroom.

Online NewsHour: Deadly Tremor In Iran, December 26, 2003
1. What was the magnitude of this earthquake?
2. How many tectonic plates intersect in Iran? Name them.
3. Describe how these plates interact?

Online NewsHour: The Seattle Earthquake, February 28, 2001
1. What was the magnitude of this earthquake?
2. How far below the surface was the focus of this earthquake?
3. How far away was this earthquake felt?
4. Why are aftershocks less likely in this type of earthquake?

Online NewsHour: Earthquake In Turkey, August 17, 1999
1. Why was the timing of this particular earthquake so bad?
2. Where was the earthquake centered? Name some major places impacted.
3. What two major plates impact the Mediterranean?

Online NewsHour: Killer Wave, July 20, 1998
1. Describe how this tsunami was triggered?
2. How powerful was the tsunami? Describe the devastation.
3. What are some other causes of a tsunami? Give an example or two.

ACTIVITY #2 – Investigating where and when earthquakes occur

Procedure:

1.  Go to http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/. Find "Real Time Earthquake Maps." At this site you can access the most recent seismic activity for the region of your choice.

2.  Complete the worksheet “Recent Earthquakes in California” by using the “California-Nevada” map