Are We On Solid Ground?
Seismic Risk - Student Worksheet

Problem:    What is the pattern of earthquake distribution in the world?

Materials:

• This worksheet (print)
• World map showing latitude and longitude
• Table showing latitude and longitude of earthquakes (Internet)
• 4 different colored pencils

Your research team has been assigned to locate earthquakes and volcanoes on a world map in order to determine what areas are most prone to earthquakes.  Upon completion, share your observations and conclusions with the class during group summary. As a group, please submit the written copy of your observations and the map produced.

Procedure:

1. Print a copy of the world map.
2. Use the Internet to find a table of recent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Use the information in the table to plot the location of each earthquake on the world map.  Label each location with one colored pencil.
3. Do the same thing for volcanoes, using a different colored pencil.
4. Use a third colored pencil to shade the areas in which earthquakes are found.
5. Use a fourth colored pencil to shade the areas in which volcanoes are found.
6. Label the map, "Patterns of Earthquake and Volcano Distribution."
7. Create a map legend.
8. Complete the Observations and turn in along with your map.

Observations:

1.  Earthquakes are (a) scattered randomly over the Earth's surface or (b) concentrated in definite areas or zones.

2.  Volcanoes are (a) scattered randomly over the Earth's surface or (b) concentrated in definite areas or zones.

3.  Most earthquakes are located (a) near the edges of continents or (b) near the center of continents.

4.  Most volcanoes are located (a) near the edges of continents or (b) near the center of continents.

True or False

________1.  There are active volcanoes near your home or town.

________2.  An earthquake has occurred near your home or town.

Conclusions - Write in complete sentences.

1.  Describe any patterns you observed in the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes.
 
 
 

2.  What relationship do you think exists between the location of earthquakes and the location of volcanoes?
 

Created for the Fermilab LInC program sponsored by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Education Office and Friends of Fermilab, and funded by United States Department of Energy, Illinois State Board of Education, North Central Regional Technology in Education Consortium which is operated by North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL), and the National Science Foundation.

Author(s): Starr Bright, Theresa Owens, Lu Anne Smith
School: Branchville High School, Orangeburg, SC
Created: March 21, 2001 - Updated: April 9, 2001
URL: /lincon/w01/projects/earthquakes/seismicrisk2.html