Material Detail

In this exercise, learners will plot earthquake hypocenters along a cross-section in an attempt to 'image' a fault deep beneath the surface. The hypocenter data is from the aftershock sequence of the 1986 North Palm Springs, CA earthquake. This activity is suitable for learners who have a good understanding of high school algebra and geometry. This activity can be typically accomplished during a 50-minute science class unit on Earth science. The exercise itself is performed off-line, although a 3-D model of the results can be viewed online. This activity supports the Reasoning and Proof and Geometry Standards (grades 9-12) of the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (Source: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics -NCTM).

Disciplines:

• Science and Technology  / Geoscience  / Geology