Relationships of Earthquakes to
Crustal Plate Boundaries

Standard III

Students will understand that gravity, density, and convection move Earth's plates and this movement causes the plates to impact other Earth Systems.

Objective 1

Explain the evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics.

Indicator c

Relate the location of earthquakes and volcanoes to plate boundaries.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

  1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skills
    1. Evaluate, sort, and sequence data according to given criteria.
  2. Demonstrate Understanding of Science Concepts, Principles and Systems
    1. Know and explain science information specified for the subject being studied.
    2. Apply principles and concepts of science to explain various phenomena.
  3. Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning
    1. Provide relevant data to support their inferences and conclusions.
  4. Demonstrate Understanding of the Nature of Science
    1. Science is a way of knowing that is used by many people, not just scientists.
    2. Science findings are based upon evidence.

The 25 Strongest U.S. Earthquakes

Materials:

Procedure:

  1. Make enough copies of the above materials for each student or groups of students.
  2. Have the students plot the location of the top 25 U.S. earthquakes on the world map with a circle by using the following colors:
        Red: 9.0 +         green: 8.0 - 8.9            blue: 7.0 - 7.9
  3. Refer to a crustal plate boundary chart and compare this to the world map with the 25 U.S. earthquakes.  

Analysis Questions:

  1. Which U.S. state has had the greatest number of high magnitude earthquakes?  Explain this in terms of the theory of plate tectonics.
  2. What type of plate boundary are most of these earthquakes associated with?
  3. The interaction between which crustal plates are responsible for the following earthquake regions:
    A.  Alaska                               B.  Pacific Northwest
  4. Give an explanation as to the occurrence of the other strong earthquakes, in non-costal regions of the U.S.  What might have caused these?
  5. What types of plate boundaries are associated with the California earthquakes?  Compare these to those earthquakes associated with convergent plate boundaries.

Extension:  Research the U.S. top 25 strongest earthquakes in terms of damage, caused by; tsunamis, ground shaking, fire, building collapse, disease, etc.    

Return to Earth Systems Science Lesson Index
Updated March 18, 2005 by: Glen Westbroek

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