Digital Earth Science Lab

Epicenter Triangulation Lab
Operation Mystery Quake

A modern data analysis activity utilizing interactive geographic web tools.

Teacher Instructions

This lab replaces cumbersome compass drawing with a precise digital map interface. Students will calculate wave lag times mathematically, then use their devices to visually triangulate the earthquake's epicenter.

1

Distribute Worksheets

Download and print the Student Handout below. Keep the Teacher Key handy for grading.

2

Calculate Data

Students analyze the P and S wave data to mathematically calculate the distance from each station to the epicenter.

3

Digital Triangulation

Students launch the Web App on their devices and input their calculated distances to visually locate the epicenter.

Lesson Materials

Download the PDF documents for the classroom portion of the activity.

Part 2: Interactive Web App

Interactive Triangulation Map

Direct students to this web application once their paper calculations are complete. They will adjust the seismic radii for Seismica, Tectonville, and Faulton to visually locate the exact epicenter.

Launch Web App

Share link with students: epilab.bymindajao.net/app.html