Activity 4 - Earthquake History of Your Community

Use the resources listed below to help you complete this activity.

State-Based Resources
General Resources

State-Based Resources: Investigate

1. In your group, take a close look at the US Geological Survey map: This Dynamic Planet

   Click on title ("This Dynamic Map") to download a copy of the map as a PDF file. Note that you will need Adobe Acrobat (available for free on the USGSS site) to open this file.

   The map can also be purchased for $7 (plus $5 s/h) from:
   USGS Information Services
   Box 25286
   Denver CO 80225

3. Obtain a map of the world and a geological map of Minnesota (with latitude and longitude marked). If possible, obtain a geologic map of your region (with latitude and longtitude marked).

   There are currently no resources listed for this state.

4. Refer to the US Geological Survey map: This Dynamic Planet used in Question 1.
   

State-Based Resources: Understanding and Applying What You Have Learned

Write a background summary for the brochure for your chapter challenge. Discuss the earthquake history of Minnesota and your community. Note any major earthquakes. Also, note the frequency of earthquakes that have been felt, and the maximum magnitude the public should prepare for. Include maps and diagrams as needed.

There are currently no resources listed for this state.

State Based Resources: Preparing for the Chapter Challenge

Use the resources listed below to answer the following questions.

a) What is the maximum number of earthquakes with magnitude 7 or greater that occurred in one year from 1900 to 1989?

b) On average, how many earthquakes of this size happen in a given year?

c) Describe any patters that you see in the data.

d) Can you suggest any natural forces that might cause the observed variation in the number of earthquakes over time? Explain.

Click on the earthquake of interest to receive additional information about the quake including, in some instances, maps and photos of damage.

Map showing the location of the 10 largest earthquakes in the world. Click on the earthquake of interest to receive additional information about the quake.

Map of global earthquake locations shown as focal depths.

General information related to this activity:

Earthquake Patterns and Plate Tectonics

"World Seismicity" -
USGS National Earthquake Information Center
Map of global earthquake locations shown as focal depths.

" Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics" -
USGS National Earthquake Information Center
Explains the distribution of earthquakes around the globe. Includes a review of plate tectonic theory and the four types of seismic zones. Also includes examples of each type of seismic zone.

"Plate Tectonics, the Cause of Earthquakes" -
University of Nevada Seismology Lab
This site contains many excellent images, including technical illustrations, satellite images, and maps, that illustrate the link between plate tectonics and earthquakes.

Areas of Risk in the United States

" United States Seismicity" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center
Click on the region or state of your choice to view a map of seismicity in that area and be given several clickable links to access further information on the geology of that particular area.

"The Largest Earthquakes in the United States" -
USGS National Earthquake Information Center
Click on the earthquake of interest to receive additional information about the quake including, in some instances, maps and photos of damage.

The National Seismic Hazard Mapping Project home page - USGS
Numerous links allows you to explore around the site and learn more about the project.

Send all comments about this website to education@agiweb.org

Last updated: May 11, 2010

This project is supported, in part, by the National Science Foundation and the AGI Foundation. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.