Triangulation Method for Earthquakes

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of using the triangulation method in locating an earthquake's epicenter?

  • To determine the type of earthquake waves.
  • To pinpoint the intersection of multiple recording station data. (correct)
  • To measure the time taken for seismic waves to travel.
  • To identify the geographic distribution of volcanoes.

Which formula is used to calculate the distance of the epicenter from a recording station?

  • d = Td x 8 seconds
  • d = Td x 100 km / 8 sec. (correct)
  • d = Td / 100 km
  • d = 100 km / Td

What problem arises when trying to locate the epicenter using only two recording stations?

  • It simplifies the measurement of distances.
  • The circles may intersect at two different points. (correct)
  • It eliminates the need for a map.
  • It provides an accurate epicenter location.

Why is it important to determine the epicenter of an earthquake?

<p>To identify active fault lines and assess potential risks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of waves are responsible for the vibrations felt during an earthquake?

<p>Seismic waves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When preparing to locate an earthquake's epicenter, what materials are essential for the calculation process?

<p>Hypothetical earthquake records and a drawing compass. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'S-P interval' refer to in the context of triangulation?

<p>The time difference between the arrival of P-wave and S-wave. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the circles drawn from three recording stations do not intersect at a single point?

<p>The data may be inaccurate or insufficient. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Triangulation Method

  • Triangulation is used to pinpoint the epicenter of an earthquake by analyzing seismic data.
  • The process involves measuring the time difference between the arrival of P-waves and S-waves at multiple recording stations.

Key Concepts

  • Earthquake: A phenomenon caused by the rapid release of energy, resulting in vibrations of the Earth.
  • Seismic Waves: Energy waves that travel through the Earth, crucial for locating epicenters.

Procedure for Locating Epicenter

  • Utilize hypothetical records of earthquake waves alongside a Philippine map, drawing compass, and ruler for the activity.
  • Calculate the epicenter's distance from stations using the formula:
    • ( d = Td \times 100 \text{ km} / 8 \text{ sec} )
      • where ( d ) is distance and ( Td ) is the time difference.
  • The formula accounts for the 8-second interval between P-wave and S-wave arrivals at 100 km.

Steps to Find the Epicenter

  • Measure the computed distance on the map using the scale of 1 cm: 100 km.
  • Set the compass to this distance and center it on one of the recording stations.
  • Repeat for other stations to draw circles which will intersect at the epicenter.

Questions and Insights

  • Epicenter Location: Identified at the intersection of the three circles drawn from different stations.
  • Challenge with Two Stations: Using only two stations leads to two potential intersection points, complicating location accuracy.
  • Importance of Epicenter Determination: Identifying the epicenter helps in understanding which fault lines are active and predict potential major earthquakes from less active fault lines that store energy.

Triangulation Summary

  • Triangulation necessitates determining the S-P interval on seismograms for accurate epicenter location.

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Related Documents

Triangulation Method-L2-Q1.pptx

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