Locating Earthquake Epicenters

This video tutorial explains how to locate the epicenter of an earthquake using seismic waves. It covers the role of seismic stations and seismographs in measuring P and S waves, and how to calculate the difference in their arrival times. The tutorial demonstrates using graphs to find the distance from a seismograph station to the epicenter and explains the triangulation method to pinpoint the epicenter by drawing overlapping circles from multiple stations.

What is the primary purpose of locating an earthquake's epicenter?

• To measure the magnitude of the earthquake

• To determine the depth of the earthquake

• To assess the damage caused by the earthquake

• To predict future earthquakes

What is the first step in finding an earthquake's epicenter?

• Measuring the magnitude of the earthquake

• Finding the difference in arrival times of P waves and S waves

• Calculating the depth of the earthquake

• Locating the nearest seismic station

How do you calculate the difference in arrival times of P waves and S waves?

• Divide the arrival time of the S wave by the arrival time of the P wave

• Add the arrival times of P waves and S waves

• Multiply the arrival times of P waves and S waves

• Subtract the arrival time of the P wave from the arrival time of the S wave

In a seismogram, if P waves arrive at 93 minutes and 59 seconds, and S waves arrive at 910 minutes and 39 seconds, what is the difference in arrival times?

• 6 minutes and 40 seconds

• 8 minutes and 40 seconds

• 5 minutes and 40 seconds

• 7 minutes and 40 seconds

What is plotted on the Y-axis of the graph used to find the distance to the epicenter?

• Depth of the earthquake

• Difference in arrival times of P and S waves

• Magnitude of the earthquake

• Distance to the epicenter

If the difference in arrival times of P waves and S waves is 7 minutes, how far is the seismic station from the epicenter?

• 6,200 km

• 7,200 km

• 4,200 km

• 5,200 km

What tool is used to draw circles to locate the epicenter?

• Ruler

• Protractor

• Compass

• Telescope

How many seismic stations are needed to accurately pinpoint the epicenter?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What does the intersection of three circles represent in the context of locating an epicenter?

• The distance to the nearest city

• The depth of the earthquake

• The exact location of the epicenter

• The magnitude of the earthquake

What does each circle drawn around a seismic station represent?

• All possible locations of the epicenter

• The depth of the earthquake

• The magnitude of the earthquake

• The distance to the nearest fault line