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QUARTER 1 – HYBRID MODULE 2

PLATE TECTONICS: Earthquake Epicenter
Week 2

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 Let’s Learn
In this module, we will study thoroughly the framework that will enable us to understand how
and why several features of the Earth continuously change. This theory is what we call “Plate
Tectonics.”
This describes the events within the Earth that give rise to mountain ranges, volcanoes,
earthquake belts, and other features of the Earth’s surface.
At the end of Module 1, you are expected to answer the key question below:
What is the relationship among the locations of volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, and
mountain ranges?

In this module, you should be able to:

1. recall the characteristics of seismic waves in terms of speed;

2. explain triangulation method in locating epicenter of earthquake;
3. locate the earthquake epicenter using the triangulation method;

Let’s Try
Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the best answer and write it in your answer sheets.
1. Waves generated by underwater earthquakes.
A. Tsunami
B. Bore
C. Tidal wave
D. Neap tides
2. Waves that are move at a greatest velocity (speed)
A. S-waves
B. T-waves
C. P-waves
D. L-waves
3. A wave with a high frequency will have _____ wavelength.
A. long
B. short
C. heavy
D. light
4. At a location 10 kilometers from the epicenter of an earthquake, the first type of seismic waves to
arrive will be
A. P-waves
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 B. S-waves
C. Rayleigh waves
D. Love waves
5. You were provided with data showing the arrival time of the P and S- waves recorded from three
seismic stations. Which of these can be possibly be determined?
A. the damage at the focus
B. the distance to the earthquake
C. the intensity of the earthquake
D. the location of the epicenter
6. Most earthquakes originates at depths of between
A. the surface and 100 kilometers
B. 100 kilometers and 500 kilometers
C. 500 kilometers and 700 kilometers
D. 700 kilometers and the outer core
7. Which of the following is TRUE of an earthquake’s epicenter and focus?
A. they are the same
B. the focus is above the epicenter
C. the epicenter is at the earth’s surface
D. the focus is at the earth’s inner core
8. How many seismograph stations are needed to locate an earthquake’s epicenter?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
9. Which of the following sequences correctly lists the different arrivals from first to last?
A. S-waves… P-waves… Surface waves
B. P-waves… Surface waves… S-waves
C. Surface waves… P-waves… S-waves
D. P-waves… S-waves… Surface waves
10. Earthquakes are caused by the release of stored energy along a fault.
A. true
B. false
C. partially true
D. partially false
11. An instrument that detects and measures earthquakes
A. seismograph
B. focus seismic map
C. radar
D. seismogram
12. Which is the first seismic wave to arrive at the seismic station?
A. L-wave
B. R-wave
C. S-wave
D. P-wave
13. Which is common among seismic and light waves?
A. they come from the sun
B. they start from a source and move outward
C. they are part of the electromagnetic spectrum
D. they all travel at the same speed unless they change medium
14. Which are given off by an earthquake?
A. Radio waves
B. seismic waves
C. sound waves
D. compaction waves
15. Which type of Seismic waves travel the slowest?
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 A. S-waves
B. P-waves
C. Surface waves
D. EM waves
Alternatively, please answer the questions above online. Use the link Score:
below: https://forms.gle/dBSqvPCc52LMsK4t8
Use proper capitalization to activate the link. You will see your score after
completing the test.

Lesson
Earth and Space: Earthquake
1 Epicenter

Let’s Recall

Before we study more about plate tectonics, let us discuss first one of the consequences of
moving crustal plates which is crucial in studying plate tectonics: earthquake.

In your Grade 8 Science you have learned that an earthquake releases three types of seismic
waves; Primary (P-waves), Secondary (S-waves), and Long surface waves (L-waves). The P-waves
and S-waves travel into the Earth’s interior while the last one on the surface. These waves travel at
different velocities; thus, do not arrive at a seismic recording station at the same time. As the recording
instrument becomes farther from the focus, the greater the difference in arrival times of the first P-wave
compared to the first S-wave. The difference in the arrival time will tell us the distance of the
earthquake’s focus from the seismic recording station.

However, it does not tell in which direction it came from. Basically, it will be discussed through
this presentation. Click the link below to check the presentation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=17&v=NhioAAdYDJM&feature=emb_title.

Let’s Explore
Before you proceed with the next activity, try to examine and analyze Figures 3 and 4.

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 Earthquake Triangulation

An earthquake is the sudden release of energy due to very large pieces of rock moving around
and against each other. The energy released results in waves traveling through the rock, which
geologists use to locate earthquakes. By analyzing seismograms, scientists recorded three types of
seismic waves: P-waves, S-waves, and surface waves. P-waves, or primary waves, have the greatest
velocity, and reaches a seismogram first. S-waves, or secondary waves, move slower and are observed
after the P-waves. The time that passes between P-waves and S-waves helps scientists to determining
the epicenter, the location on the surface above which an earthquake originates.

Source: Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology

Figure 3. Result of Seismogram

For this lesson, we will locate the epicenter of an earthquake using a method called
triangulation. Triangulation determines the location of earthquakes using the distance
information coming from three seismic stations. On the given map below, there are three
unique circles. The circles are drawn around the seismic station and the radius of the circle
represents the approximate distance from the seismic station to the earthquake. The point
where the three circles intersect shows the location of the earthquake (see Figure 4).

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 https://www.travel-tramp.com/is-mindanao-safe-to-travel-to/
Figure 4. Location of the Hypothetical Earthquake
Directions:

1. Using the given seismograms, determine the arrival time of the P-wave and S-waves for
each station. Record the measurements in the data table.
2. When you have the measurements for P and S waves, calculate the difference by

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subtracting the P-wave arrival time from the S-wave arrival time. Record the
measurements in the table.
3. By using the difference in arrival time, determine the distance from the seismic station
from the earthquake for each city. Do this by multiplying the difference in time by 5
miles/sec.(distance = time * speed). Record the distances.
4. Draw a circle around each station, using the distance of the earthquake as a radius.
Repeat for the stations.
5. Determine the point where all three of the circles intersect. That point is the estimated
epicenter of the earthquake. Record the epicenter of the earthquake.

DIRECTIONS: Use the given Map of the Philippines to locate the epicenter of the hypothetical
earthquake and answer the guide questions that follow. Write your answers in a separate sheet of
paper.

Activity 1: Find the Center

Source: Science 10 Learner’s Material Unit 1 pages 8-10

Objective:
Locate the epicenter of an earthquake using the triangulation method.

Materials:

hypothetical records of earthquake waves

Philippine map
drawing compass and ruler

Procedure:
1. Study the data showing the difference in the arrival time of P-wave and S-wave on three seismic
recording stations.
Recording Station Time difference in the Distance of epicenter
arrival time of P-wave from the station (km)
and S-wave
(seconds)
Batangas 49.07
Puerto Princesa 58.10
Davao 39.47

2. Compute the distance of the epicenter from each of the stations using this formula:
Td

d= x 100 km
8 seconds

Where: d = distance (km)

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 Td = time difference in the arrival time of P-wave and S-wave(seconds)

This formula is suited because 8 seconds is the interval between the times of arrival of the P-wave and
S-wave at a distance of 100 km.

3. Choose one of the recording stations and measure the computed distance on the map scale (the
scale of the map in Figure 1 is 1.5 cm: 200 km). Set your compass for that computed distance.
4. Center your compass on the station you have chosen. Draw a circle.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the rest of the stations. You should get three circles that intersect
or nearly intersect at a point. This intersection is the epicenter.

Source: https://www.travel-tramp.com/is-mindanao-safe-to-travel-to/

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 Figure 5. Map of the Philippines
Q1. Where is the epicenter of this hypothetical earthquake?
Q2. What difficulty will you encounter if you only have data from two recording
stations?

In the previous activity, the hypothetical earthquake happened locally, that is why
we use the formula stated in the procedure. But, if the earthquake took place at a
far greater distance, seismologists use the distance-time graph similar to the figure
below in determining the location of the epicenter.
e (minutes)

Distance(km)fromEpicenterhttp://stream2.cma.gov.cn/pub/comet/Environment/TsunamiWarningSyst
ems/comet/tsunami/ warning system/print.htm
Figure 6. Distance-time graph
The distance-time graph above shows that the S-P interval is about 10 minutes.

Q3. What is the distance of the epicenter from the seismic station?
Q4. What do you think is the importance of determining the epicenter of an earthquake?

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 Let’s Elaborate

Key Concepts:

Seismic wave
Seismic waves are the energy from earthquakes. Seismic waves move outward in all directions
away from their source. Each type of seismic wave travels at different speeds in different materials.
Seismic waves travel through rock, but not all travel through liquid or gas. Geologists study seismic
waves to discover more about earthquakes and the Earth’s interior.
Wave Structure
Seismic waves are just one type of wave. Sound and light also travel as waves. Every wave
has a high point called a crest and a low point called a trough. The height of a wave from the center
line to its crest is called the amplitude. While the horizontal distance between waves from crest to crest
(or trough to trough) is its wavelength (see diagram).

The energy from earthquakes travels in waves, as shown in the diagram.

Types of Seismic Waves
There are two major types of seismic waves. Body waves travel through the Earth’s
interior. Surface waves travel along the ground surface. In an earthquake, body waves are responsible
for the sharp jolts. Surface waves are responsible for the rolling motions which cause most of the
damage in an earthquake.
Body Waves
Primary waves (P-waves) and secondary waves (S-waves) are the two types of body waves (see
Figure 7). Body waves move at different speed in different materials.
P-waves are faster. They travel at about 6 to 7 kilometers (about 4 miles) per second. Primary
waves are so named because they are the first waves to reach a seismometer. P-waves squeeze and
release rocks as they travel. The material returns to its original size and shape after the P-wave goes
by. For this reason, P-waves are not the most damaging earthquake waves. P-waves travel through
solids, liquids, and gases.
S-waves are slower than P-waves. They are the second waves to reach a seismometer. S-
waves move up and down. They change the rock’s shape as they travel. S-waves are about half as fast
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as P-waves, at about 3.5 km (2 miles) per second. S-waves can only move through solids. This is
because liquids and gases don’t resist changing shape.
Surface Waves
Love waves and Rayleigh waves are the types of surface waves.
Surface waves travel along the ground outward from an earthquake’s epicenter. Surface waves are
the slowest among all seismic waves. They travel at 2.5 km (1.5 miles) per second. There are two types
of surface waves. Love waves move side-to-side, much like a snake. Rayleigh waves produce a
rolling motion as they move up and backward (see Figure 7). Surface waves cause objects to fall and
rise. They also cause objects to sway back and forth. These motions cause damage to rigid structures
during an earthquake.

To locate the epicenter of an earthquake, you need to determine the time interval between the
arrival of the P and S waves (the S-P interval) on the seismograms from at least three different stations.
You have to measure the interval to the closest second and then use Figure 6 Distance-time graph to
convert the S-P interval to the epicentral distance.

Source: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/249457266832519224/

Figure 7. Seismic Waves

Once you have the epicentral distances, you can draw circles to represent each
distance on a map. The radius of each circle corresponds to the epicentral distance for each
seismic recording station. Once you have drawn all three circles and located the point where

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 all three intersect, you will have successfully located (triangulated) the epicenter of the
earthquake.

For instructions on how to perform triangulation method you may also visit this website:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBS7BKqHRhs
Determining the location of earthquake epicenters plays a vital role in laying the
foundations of plate tectonics. Let us see how early geologists used the plotted positions of
earthquake epicenters throughout the world in conceptualizing crustal movements.

Let’s Dig In

In your answer sheets, write down five feeling words that are linked to earthquakes. (e.g. sad, etc.)

Pretend to be a journalist and write a newspaper report about an earthquake (hypothetical) that had
occurred.

You must have the following:

Newspaper Name
Headline
Information about what happened including time and dates
An interview with a local person about what it felt like, if you want you could quote some of your
friend’s statement and pretend you had interviewed him/her.
A picture in the box

Watch this: Click the link below and watch the presentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx4OqT0PYnU

Let’s Remember

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 Directions: Fill in the blanks with the words from the box to complete each statement.
The _____________ is the point on the surface of the Earth directly above the hypocenter
of an earthquake. The ______________ of an epicenter can be found using three
______________.By measuring the ___________ time between the P-wave and S-wave,
each station can calculate their ____________ to the earthquake.
Scientists use _______________ to find the epicenter of an earthquake. When
_____________ data is collected from at least three different locations, it can be used to
determine the epicenter by where it ____________.
The location inside the earth where an earthquake begins is called the _________ of the
earthquake. At the epicenter, the ____________shaking occurs during an earthquake.

Location, strongest Triangulation, seismic, focus, distance,

intersects, epicenter, seismographs, lag

Let’s Apply
Answer each question. Write your answer on the space after each question.
1. What are the basic things that you should do before, during and after an earthquake?
2. How important is the conduct of earthquake drills in school?

Let’s Evaluate

Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the best answer and write it in your answer sheets.
1. Where is the epicenter of this earthquake located based on triangulation?

A B

A. A B. B C. C D. D
For items 2-3, refer to the diagram on the right.
2.Where are the P-waves located on this seismogram?
A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D
3. Where are the S-waves located on this seismogram?
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 A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D
4.Which type of seismic waves are the slowest?
A. S-waves
B. P-waves
C. surface waves
D. primary waves
5.What is the name of the waves given off by an earthquake?
A. seismic waves
B. radiation waves
C. sound waves
D. compaction waves
6. Which is the first seismic wave to arrive at a seismograph station (where they are measured and
detected)?
A. L wave
B. R wave
C. P- wave
D. S- wave
7. Which can cause an earthquake?
A. seigmograms
B. P-waves
C. Plate movement
D. S-waves
8. Earthquakes are caused by the release of stored energy along a fault
A. true
B. false
C. partially true
D. partially false
9. Seismic waves and light waves have what in common?
A. they come from the sun
B. they start from a source and move outward
C. they all can be put onto the electromagnetic spectrum
D. they all travel at the same speed unless they change medium
10. An instrument that detects and measures earthquakes
A. seismogram
B. focus seismic map
C. radar
D. seismograph
11. Which of the following sequences correctly lists the different arrivals from first to last?

A. P waves ... S waves .... Surface waves

B. Surface waves ... P waves .... S waves
C. P waves ... Surface waves ... S waves
D. S waves ... P waves .... Surface waves
12. How do rock particles move during the passage of a P wave through the rock?

A. back and forth parallel to the direction of wave travel

B. back and forth perpendicular to the direction of wave travel
C. in a rolling circular motion
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 D. the particles do not move
13. How often do magnitude 8 earthquakes occur?

A. about 5 to 10 times per year

B. about once a year
C. about every 5 to 10 years
D. about every 50 to 100 years
14. How many seismograph stations are needed to locate the epicenter of an earthquake?

Let’s Extend

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
15. Earthquakes can occur with _________ faulting.

A. normal
B. reverse
C. thrust
D. all of these

Alternatively, please answer the questions above online. Use the link Score:
below: https://forms.gle/hYwsjjPJ7w8Z59JY6
Use proper capitalization to activate the link. You will see your score after
completing the test.

1. Watch this. The effect of man-made earthquake

Click this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOCxNVDiOnE
2. Finding epicenter of earth quake just click the link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx4OqT0PYnU
3. Write a short description of an earthquake phenomenon you had experienced in the past or
recently.

References
Printed Materials:
Science Learner’s Material 10, Department of Education, Unit 1, Module 1, pp.6-13.
Electronic Sources:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov Accessed July 6, 2020
https://www.travel-tramp.com/is-mindanao-safe-to-travel-to/ Accessed June 26, 2020
http://www.earthobservatory.sg/resources/images-graphics/subduction-zone-beneathphilippines
Accessed June 26, 2020
http://www.geo.hunter.cuny.edu/ Accessed June 12, 2020
https://conference.iste.org/uploads/ISTE2016/HANDOUTS/KEY_100536516/AudioVideoPresentation.
pdf/ Accessed June 12, 2020
https://www.ck12.org/earth-science/seismic-waves/lesson/Seismic-Waves-from-Earthquakes-MS-
ES/?referrer=concept_details Accessed July 5, 2020
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https://www.google.com/search?q=1.+Describe+the+Earth%27s+lithosphere Accessed July 5, 2020
https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/cms/lib/NC01001395/Centricity/Domain/7110/Seismic%20Waves%20an
d%20Earths%20Interior%20PPT.pdf Accessed July 14, 2020
http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/visualgeology/geology101/Geology100Exams/Tectonics.pdf Accessed June
24, 2020
https://sharemylesson.com/system/files/lesson_material/SITEUSER/2013/1/19/784 Accessed June
24, 2020
https://sharemylesson.com/system/files/lesson_material/2018/8/19/Earthquake%20Triangulation%20
Lab.pdf Accessed June 4,
2020https://www.teachengineering.org/content/cub_/lessons/cub_seismicw/Attachments/ Accessed
June 4, 2020https://sharemylesson.com/system/files/lesson_material/SITEUSER/2009/12/24/di
Accessed June 2, 2020

https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/195414071311987025/?fbclid=IwAR3inwcdii2y6YBeKrzDhBTzibkRenqO
O1bBETKdDFgUdj40UCeHc54xw5k Accessed July 4, 2020

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Avelyn R. Argente – BNHS- Master Teacher I
Editor: Eunice V. Correa – UBNHS- Master Teacher
Reviewers: Leynette Pearl A. De Leon – BNHS -Teacher I
Mary Cris A. Caguing – WBNHS- Master Teacher I
Josielyn V. Auman – BNHS - Teacher I
Maria Concepcion A. Villarosa – PNHS - Master Teacher II
Illustrator: Jayson F. Antones – GRPMHS Main/Annex – Teacher I
Layout Artist: Victor G. Taleon -SVNHS- Teacher I
HYBRID MODULE TEAM VALIDATORS:
JHS Team Leader/Facilitator: DR. MELEDA H. POLITA, SDS (Ret.)
School Head In-Charge: DR. REA MILANA-CRUZ, Principal IV
Content Validator/Editor: JAYAR E. LONGASA, MT – I-WBNHS
Management Team:
DR. MARGARITO B. MATERUM - Schools Division Superintendent
DR. GEORGE P. TIZON -SGOD - Chief
DR. ELLERY G. QUINTIA -CID - Chief
DR. MARIVIC T. ALMO - Education Program Supervisor- Science
DR. DAISY L. MATAAC - Education Program Supervisor- LRMS/ALS

For inquiries, please write or call:

Schools Division of Taguig City and Pateros Upper Bicutan Taguig City
Telefax: 8384251
Email Address: [email protected]

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