2.4
Hazards
ACTIVITY ONE
L
IQUEFACTION
: T
HAT
S
INKING
F
EELING
RA T I ONA L E
Like other earthquake-related phenomena, liquefaction may cause the
loss of property and even injury or death. This model allows
instructors and students to observe the effects of liquefaction and the
phenomenon of sand boils on a small scale.
F OCU S QU E S T I ON S
What happens when a damaging earthquake strikes areas prone to
liquefaction?
OB J E C T I V E S
Student s wi l l :
1. Construct a model to demonstrate liquefaction.
2. Distinguish between soil liquefaction and soil saturation.
3. Assess potential damage to homes, lifelines, and schools.
TEACHING CLUES AND CUES
If possible, substitute a
small, hollow, ceramic
house, measuring
approximately
5 x 5 x 7 cm, for
MA T E R I A L S
for the teacher
Q
Master 2.4a, Teacher Background Reading: Liquefaction
Q
Master 2.4b, New Madrid Narrative
for each small group
Q
226 g (about 8 oz) of well-sorted fine sand [Sandbox sand works well.]
Q
One .25-1 (9 oz) clear plastic cup
Q
One pie plate, diameter 23 cm (9 in.)
Q
225 ml (5 oz) of water in a pitcher
Q
Sinker or comparable small object weighing at least .06 kg (2 oz)
Q
One 250-ml beaker
Q
Newspapers to cover work surface
the sinker. These are sold at hobby
shops for Christmas scenes, and
can be filled with BBs to add weight.
A G U
/
F E M A
89
S
E I S M I C
S
L E U T H S
