Epicenters of an Earthquake

Image scanned from Aber, S., Johnston, P., Morales, M. (2000). Introduction to Earth Science Lab. Edina, MN: Burgess International Group Inc. p. 117

To locate the epicenter of an earthquake: 1st: Use three seismograms at three separate locations. 2nd: Collect data on that particular earthquake from each location. 3rd: Determine the lapse time between the S and P wave arrivals for each location. 4th: Chart the results onto a map (as seen to the left). Three stations allow for triangulation, that is the intersection of data from the three reporting stations shows the epicenter.

Return home