In this activity, students gather data and compare the shaking intensities of the 1906 San Francsico and 1989 Loma Prieta earthquakes. They compare shaking intensity maps from the two earthquakes using the Modified Mercalli Shake Intensity, examine the lengths of fault ruptures, and examine seismograph traces from each earthquake. Links to additional information and to lesson plans that use these ... Full description.

This set of maps provides information on earthquakes for the United States and the world. The maps are divided into regions for ease of selection. Earthquake data are reported for the last seven days and include locations, magnitudes (denoted by the size of the symbol), and time (denoted by the color of the symbol). Full description.

This educational module has been designed to provide students with the opportunity to interactively investigate the nature of earthquakes. The module has been divided into three major sections, "What is an Earthquake?", "The Distribution of Earthquakes", and "Measuring Earthquakes". Each section presents background material and interactive learning activities allowing students to understand such characteristics ... Full description.

This resource explores earthquakes and seismic hazards, using the San Francisco area as an example. Materials include histories of San Francisco's earthquakes, including the 1906 'Great Earthquake' and the 1989 Loma Prieta quake. A section on quake basics addresses the relationship between earthquakes and plate tectonics, fault movements, seismic waves, and how earthquakes are measured. For educators, ... Full description.

Alfred Wegener, the German scientist who proposed the idea of continental drift, had always been interested in geophysics and also became fascinated with the developing fields of meteorology and climatology. During his life, Wegener made several key contributions to meteorology: he pioneered the use of balloons to track air circulation and wrote a textbook that became standard throughout Germany. ... Full description.

These interactive simulations allow students to investigate four of nature's more violent phenomena: volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Each simulation begins with a brief written tutorial describing the characteristics and destructive potential of these hazards. Users may then adjust the various factors affecting the occurrence of these phenomena (for instance, ocean temperature, ... Full description.

This report reviews two methods of earthquake prediction: statistical analysis and observation of geophysical precursors of earthquakes. Statistical analysis involves observing the history of earthquake occurrences in a given region to see whether there are patterns or cycles; two case studies are provided as examples: Friuli, Italy and Parkfield, California. Five geophysical precursors, changes in ... Full description.

This report decribes research being carried out in Parkfield, California whose purpose is to better understand the physics of earthquakes: what actually happens on the fault and in the surrounding region before, during and after an earthquake. Ultimately, scientists hope to better understand the earthquake process and, if possible, to provide a scientific basis for earthquake prediction. Topics include ... Full description.

This report describes recent efforts at earthquake prediction, focusing on the modern era beginning in the mid- to late 1970's. Topics include a history of prediction efforts, the measurement of physical parameters in areas where earthquakes occur, and the development of a model upon which predictions could be based. The efforts centered around Parkfield, California, whose well-known seismic history ... Full description.

This tutorial provides general information on soil liquefaction, a hazard associated with earthquakes, for interested lay persons, and more detailed information for engineers. Topics include what soil liquefaction is, and when, where, and why it occurs. There are also suggestions for minimizing the risk of soil liquefaction, links to sites on soil liquefaction research, and links to sites on related ... Full description.