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Locating the Epicenter of an Earthquake

I. Objectives
 Locate the epicenter of an earthquake using the triangulation method
II. Materials:
 map
 Pencil
 Ruler
 Compass
 Calculator
III. Procedure:
1. Study the figure showing the recorded earthquakes from the three different stations (A, B, and
C). Use the figure in completing the table. In getting the arrival time, estimate it to the nearest
minute.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
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This figure is a sample that shows the seismogram or the

recorded ground motion of the seismic waves. The
Primary waves or P-waves arrived first followed by the
Secondary waves or S-waves. To get the difference of the
arrival times (Td) between the Primary and Secondary
waves, simply subtract the time of their arrival (Td = S-
P).

https://www.pmfias.com/seismic-waves-shadow-zone/

Figure 1. Seismic waves

2. The difference in the arrival time (Td) must be in seconds (s). In converting minute to seconds,
follow the solutions below:(answer for the difference in the arrival time (Td) in Sitka, AK).
Converted unit: 1 min = 60 s
60 s
4 min= =240 s (* Process: 4 x 60 = 240; 240 ÷ 1 = 240)
1 min
3. To get the distance of the epicenter to the recording station (d), the formula to be used is
Td
d= x 100 km
8 seconds
Wherein:
d = distance of epicenter from the station
Td = time difference in the arrival times of P and S waves
The time 8 seconds is the interval between the times of arrival of the P-wave and S-wave at 100 km distance.

Perform the activity using the data from the three Seismic stations:
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Table 3. Earthquake Data

TIME OF ARRIVAL AT STATION
S-WAVES MINUS DISTANCE TO THE
SEISMIC PRIMARY SECONDARY P-WAVES EPICENTER (Km)
STATION WAVE WAVE
(Td) (d)
(P-wave) (S-wave)

A. Sitka, AK
8:09 8:13 240 s __________________

B. Charlotte, NC 12:10 12:15 ________________ __________________

C. Honolulu, HI
_____________ ______________ ________________ __________________

https://ssec.si.edu/sites/default/files/landing/images/EDS%20BLM%20for%20STCMS%20Website.pdf

Figure 2. Seismogram Records for Three Stations

4. After completing the table, use the triangulation method to locate the epicenter on the
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provided map on the next page. The scale of ruler to be used is the length scale provided
at the bottom of the map. Make sure to follow the steps in the triangulation method.
Steps:
1. From the point of recording station, draw a straight-line equivalent to the distance of the
Epicenter (d). This will be the radius.
2. Using a compass make a circle around the seismic recording station.
3. Repeat it for the other two stations.
4. Look for the point to where the three circles intersect. That point will be the location of the
epicenter.

First step

Second step

Earthquake’s
epicenter

https://www.iris.edu/hq/inclass/fact-sheet/how_are_earthquakes_located?zoombox=0

Figure 3. Locating the Earthquake’s Epicenter Using the Triangulation Method

NOTE:
Find the epicenter on the next page (Honolulu, Sitka and Carlotte map).
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NOTE:

Double check the measurement of the given scale. Adjust if necessary, to have equal
measurement.

IV. Guide Questions:

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1. Why would the geologists need seismic data from the three stations? What difficulty will be
encountered if there are two data coming from the two stations only?
2. Can you predict more earthquakes on the places where plates are moving toward each
other or on the plates that are moving away from each other? Explain your answer.
3. What do you think is the importance of determining the epicenter of an earthquake?

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

From the seismogram, the distance to the epicenter can be determined by measuring the difference in the arrival times
of the P and S-waves. This difference will be used in locating the epicenter of an earthquake.

Epicenter is the part of the Earth’s surface directly above the

focus of an earthquake as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. The Epicenter