This module has been classroom tested, and was peer reviewed during June 1997. To make suggestions and corrections please contact The Virtual Geography Department Project at virtual.department@mail.utexas.edu or the author at jjkerski@usgs.gov.

Facts of Publication

Abstract: This module contains an exercise in which students are asked to examine the frequency and distribution of earthquake epicenters and compare these epicenters to the distribution of plate boundaries and cities. Students download earthquake epicenters for the last several days and for an entire year from the Internet, and map the information using ArcView geographic information system (GIS), and analyze the patterns that become evident.

The module presents background information on earthquakes and GIS, and includes step-by-step instructions for using the technological tools. This module can be adapted to a wide range of grade levels and may be presented as an introductory GIS exercise. It may be completed without a GIS by using a paper base map, but requires access to the World Wide Web (see Module Overview and Instructor's Notes).

Table of Contents:

Introduction to the Research Problem

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Instructor's Notes

• Download Data for Project as equake.zip.
• GIS Notes
• Sample guiding questions.
• Sample rubric to assess this lesson and natural hazards unit.

• Introduction to the Research Problem
• Access and Manipulate Earthquake Data from the Internet
• The Concept of a Geographic Information System
• Import Your Current Earthquake Data into a GIS
• Analyze Your Data with a GIS
• Plot Your Data with a GIS

• Supporting Material from the USGS
• Links to Additional related WWW resources: Earthquakes
• Links to Additional related WWW resources: Geographic Information Systems
• On-line Glossary