Seismic Vibrations
What is the relationship between seismic vibration strength and distance from the "epicenter" of the shake?
Try this
Perform three different investigations from IRIS (Incorporated Research Institutes for Seismology). In these activities, use the Accelerometer tool along with a meter stick, tape, and chair or water bottle to simulate the relationship between an earthquake’s magnitude and intensity. Calculate the energy released during a weight drop (magnitude) and use the accelerometer to investigate what happens to the energy as the source is moved further and further from the sensor (intensity). Examine USGS ShakeMaps to explore other factors besides event size and distance from the source to the receiver that affect the intensity (i.e. geologic structures and materials).
Challenge yourself
- Create a graph of Intensity vs. Distance for a “seismic event,” and derive a mathematical expression for this relationship.
- If there are any constants in this mathematical expression, explain their significance.