Exploring Broadband Seismic Data in the ClassroomAccess data from the Broadband Seismic Data Collection Center (more info)
Use and Relevance
Use in Teaching
This data can be used to teach the following topics and skills in Geophysics and Structural Geology:
- Understanding the collection and transmission of seismic data
- Interpreting earthquake data parameters, including location, depth, and magnitude
- Using seismic data to map plate boundaries
- Using seismic data to make predictions about where an earthquake might occur
- Examining relationships between earthquake parameters and the underlying rock structure
Exploring the Data
Data Type and Presentation
Accessing the Data
This section provides data for the ANZA network in Southern California and for the IRIS Broadband Array deployment in Venezuela. Maps can be generated for local, regional, and global events. Maps display seismic activity as squares that are color coded to represent temporal information. Square size correlates with earthquake magnitude (ranging from <2 to 8). Event tables provide further data parameters including location, depth, time, and magnitude.
This section provides data for recent earthquakes and aftershocks are shown on maps. Event parameters including location, depth, time and magnitude are shown and a graphical representation of waveforms is provided.
This section provides realtime data as seismograms showing 1 hour of waveforms for stations in the ANZA network.
Manipulating Data and Creating Visualizations
Tools for Data Manipulation
About the Data
Limitations and Sources of Error
References and Resources
Scientific References that Use this Dataset
- A bibliography is available highlighting publications from the Broadband Seismic Data Collection Center.
Education Resources that Use this Dataset
- 'Education and Outreach Based on Data from the Anza Seismic Network in Southern California' is an article from Seismological Research Letters that describes collaborations amongst scientists and the community to provide earthquake education for the public and local school communities.
Other Related Scientific References
- 'Earthquake prediction: A seismic shift in thinking' is a article from Nature that discusses the debate regarding accuracy in predicting earthquakes.
- 'Mantle Convection and Plate Tectonics: Toward an Integrated Physical and Chemical Theory' is an article from Science that reviews the physics of plate tectonics.
Other related Education Resources
- The Broadband Seismic Data Collection Center maintains an education section with activities of relevance to students and teachers.
- The Earth Exploration Toolbook has two chapters Investigating Earthquakes with ArcVoyager GIS and Investigating Earthquakes with ArcExplorer GIS that use USGS and IRIS data to conduct GIS analyses. Users interpret earthquake distribution and activity and analyze the potential for predicting future earthquakes.