C. Conclusion
Project the back of Master 3.3d, Richter Data Table, Answer Key, and
allow students to compare their calculations with the actual data. Ask
students how a more accurate magnitude could be calculated. (by
collecting more data points or by averaging the class averages of the
calculated magnitude)
ADA P T A T I ON S AND E X T E N S I ON S
Seismologists today use a variety of magnitude scales and many types
of instruments to record precise information on earthquakes. Interested
students can read about P wave or body wave magnitude (called M
b
),
surface wave magnitude (M
s
), moment magnitude (M
w
), as well as the
concept of seismic moment, drawing on materials in the unit resources
list and others from local libraries.
A G U
/
F E M A
167
S
E I S M I C
S
L E U T H S
