Connecting Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes Pd 4

Introduction: Our next unit, which we will officially begin tomorrow, is about Earthquakes. There is a very intricate connection between what we just studied, plate tectonics, and out new unit. Please read all the directions carefully as you explore this connection. Read: On May 22, 1960, the largest earthquake on record (magnitude 9.5) hit the Chilean Coastline. Seismologists (scientists who study earthquakes) found that the epicenter was approximately 160 km off the Chilean Coastline. According to the USGS: “More than 2,000 killed, 3,000 injured, 2,000,000 homeless, and $550 million damage in southern Chile; tsunami caused 61 deaths, $75 million damage in Hawaii; 138 deaths and $50 million damage in Japan; 32 dead and missing in the Philippines; and $500,000 damage to the west coast of the United States.” The tsunami that hit Chile was approximately 82 ft high when it reach Hilo, Hawaii it was about 35ft high. The Map: The black circle you see on the tectonic map below pinpoints the location (the epicenter) of the earthquake. Use the information above and the map below to answer the questions below Read: When the plates move they create earthquakes all over the planet, including this historic earthquake in 1960. Below we will be working to figure out what type of plate boundary is responsible for creating this quake. 1. Which two plates were most likely involved in producing the Chilean earthquake of 1960? Remember, this occurred in a very southern region of South America? The Pacific Plate The South American Plate The Nazca Plate The South American Plate The Nazca Plate The Cocos Plate The Caribbean Plate The South American Plate 2. Study the arrows on the two plates involved in the earthquake. Describe the motion that is occurring between these two plates. The plates are spreading apart (moving in opposite directions). The plates are colliding (moving towards each other) The plates are sliding past one another. 3. Based on your answer above, what type of plate boundary created this earthquake? Divergent (oceanic) Divergent (continental) Convergent (oceanic-oceanic) Convergent (continental-continental) Convergent (oceanic-continental) Transform Tsunami Please watch the video and answer the question that follows. Which ocean was affected by the tsunami and that was created by this earthquake? The Atlantic Ocean The Pacific Ocean The Indian Ocean The Southern Ocean 4. What geologic features would you expect to find in this area as a result of these tectonic movements? (choose all that apply) Mid-Ocean Ridge Deep Sea Trench Volcanic Mountains Rift Valley Folded Mountains Volcanic Islands Seismic Monitor. A colorful, interactive map of the latest earthquakes and much more. This website will take you to an interactive map of our plate. It will show you to the locations of the major quake around the world that are occurring more recently. Play around with the features on the cite before you complete the tasks and questions below. Monitoring Recent Earthquakes: What part of the United States experiences the most earthquakes? The West Coast The East Coast The Southern Coast There is not specific part of the country they occur in. Thinking about both maps that you have seen. Why do you think most of the earthquakes in the United States occur here more than any other part of the country? There is no reason earthquakes happen randomly. The quakes line up with the active plate boundaries in this area. The crashing ocean waves in the area cause the ground to shake, resulting in earthquakes. All earthquakes are created by volcanic eruptions, and there are a lot of volcanoes in that part of the country. There are a lot more asteroids impacting that part of the country, creating the quakes being recorded. other Analyzing an Earthquake: Using the same website, click on the “Last 30 Days” tab at the bottom of the page. This shows you a list of earthquakes that occurred recently and where in the world they happened. Select one of the Earthquakes and answer the following questions. What is the location and magnitude of the earthquake you chose? Look back at the plate tectonics map, which plates were involved in the creating the earthquake you picked? (you may want to click the link on the website to see where the earthquake occurred on a map before you answer this question) What type of plate boundary is located there? Hint: look at the arrows on the plates around your quake.