Science 10

Science – Grade 10
Quarter 1 – Module 3: Earthquake Epicenter
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education Division of Pasig City

Development Team of the Self-Learning Module

Writer: John F. Bautista

Editor: Rosalina B. Piamonte
Reviewers: Jefrey Nual
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Layout Artist: Mark Kihm G. Lara
Management Team: Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin
OIC-Schools Division Superintendent
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 Printed in the Philippines by Department of Education – Schools Division of
Pasig City

Science 10

Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 3

Earthquake Epicenter
Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the Science 10 Self-Learning Module on Earthquake Epicenter!

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by
its Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the
K to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and

independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also
aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs,
namely: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and
Character while taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This containshelpful tips or strategies
that
will help you in guiding the learners.
 As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage
and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

For the Learner:

Welcome to the Science 10 Self-Learning Module on Earthquake Epicenter!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time.
You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being
an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and

skills that you will learn after completing the module.
 Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts and skills
that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and application of the

lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the lesson.

Posttest - This measures how much you have learned from the entire
module.

EXPECTATIONS

This module is designed and written to help you master the lesson on the
distribution of earthquake epicenters, active volcanoes, and major mountain
belts and its relationship to Plate Tectonic Theory.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. recall the characteristics of seismic waves in terms of speed;
2. explain the triangulation method in locating the epicenter of an
earthquake, and locate the earthquake epicenter using the triangulation
method; and
3. recognize the importance of earthquake drills in schools and at home to
mitigate and reduce the effects of disaster-related events.
 PRETEST

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. What are the three types of waves released during the earthquake?
A. Love, Rayleigh and Water wave
B. Primary, Secondary and Tertiary wave
C. Primary, Secondary and Long Surface wave
D. Water, Long Surface, and Primary wave

2. What do you call the method of locating earthquake epicenter by using

data from three seismological stations?
A. Triangle Method C. Triangulation Method
B. Triangular Method D. Venn Diagram Method

3. From the seismogram, the distance to the epicenter can be determined

by measuring:
A. The speed of the surface wave.
B. The arrival time of the surface wave.
C. The difference in the arrival times of the P and S waves.
D. The ratio of the amplitude of the largest P and S waves.
4. You were asked to locate the epicenter of a recent earthquake. Which
correct sequence of events should you follow?
i. Determine the difference in the arrival time of P and S
waves.
ii. Use the triangulation method to locate the center. iii. Obtain
data from three different seismological stations. iv. Determine the
distance of the epicenter from the station.
A. i, iii, ii, iv B. iii, iv, i, ii C. iii, i. iv, ii D. iv, ii, i, iii

5. What do you think is the importance of determining the epicenter of an

earthquake?
A. Locating earthquake epicenters will pinpoint which fault lines are
active.
B. So that necessary precautions could be done if ever you’re living in one
of those places.
C. To determine which fault line stores a great amount of energy that may
cause major earthquakes. D. All of the above.
 RECAP
In your previous lesson, you have learned about the characteristics of the
lithospheric plates. Can you still remember them? Let’s have some practice
exercises to refresh your mind.
1. What are earthquakes?
2. What causes earthquakes?
3. What is the instrument used to measure the magnitude and intensity of an
earthquake?
4. How will you differentiate intensity and magnitude?
5. What are the different types of faults?

LESSON

A powerful earthquake hit the

southern Philippine island Mindanao
of on
December 15, 2019, killing a child, injuring
dozens and damaging buildings in an area
still recovering from a string of deadly quakes
in

The Philippines has been hit by

several very powerful earthquakes in recent
decades, includingone of magnitude 7.8 that
struck the northern resort town of Baguio in
1990. In this lesson, we will be giving you a
first-hand experience on how to locate the
earthquake epicenter.

October.
 Figure 1. Effect of Earthquakes

How do you think they able to identify the epicenter of the earthquake
that had happened in that area? Today we are going to discuss the seismic
waves and its importance in determining earthquake epicenters.

There are two main types of seismic

waves: body waves and surface waves.
Body waves are waves that can travel
through the earth’s interior while surface
waves are waves that can travel through
the surface of the earth. In this lesson, we
will be focusing on the types of body waves
that are essential in determining the
epicenter of an earthquake.
Figure 2. Seismic Waves
Body waves are waves that can travel below the surface of the earth.
There are two types of body waves named after their sequence of recording by a
seismograph: primary waves and secondary waves. Primary waves or P waves
are recorded first (the reason why it is called primary) by the seismograph since
it is the fastest among the seismic waves. It moves faster than the secondary or
S wave. They are considered as compressional waves since they cause
compression and dilation of the material that they are traveling through. They
can travel through solid, liquid, and
gas. They can travel as fast as 1.6 to
8 km/sec or 1 to 5 miles per second
in the crust. The ground shakes back
and forth along the direction the P-
waves are propagating.

Secondary waves are the

second wave to be recorded by the
seismograph. It is also known as the
transverse or shear waves.
Secondary waves do not cause
compression and dilation of
materials that it travels
Figure 3. Body Waves
through, rather a change in the material’s shape. It is the reason why S waves
can travel only in solid materials. These waves can only penetrate solid materials
and so they can stop at the liquid layer of the Earth.

As you have learned in our previous lesson, earthquakes are vibration

produced from a sudden release of energy. This sudden release of energy occurs
as a result of volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts, fault movements, movements
of magma, and even bomb explosions. As a result, vibrations can begin both in
and on the earth’s crust. The energy released radiates in different directions
away from the point of origin. This point of origin is called the focus or
hypocenter. Commonly, when describing the location of an earthquake, scientists
and the media often talk about the earthquake’s epicenter, the point that is
directly above the focus.
Earthquake energy can be recorded on a seismograph, producing a seismogram.

What is triangulation?

Triangulation is a way of determining something’s location using the location of

other things. It is commonly used by geologists to find the locations of
earthquakes and is also used to determine the spacecraft location. There are
several ways to use the triangulation method to figure out the location. Here’s
how it works.

When an earthquake occurs seismic waves are sent in different directions.

Earthquake waves come in three main types: P waves (primary); S waves
(secondary) and L-waves (long surface). These waves travel at different speeds:
P waves being the fastest, S-waves being next, and L-waves the slowest. By
knowing the time difference between, when any two types of seismic waves
arrive at a place can deduce how far away the earthquake epicenter is. By
contacting other seismic recording stations, it is possible to determine where the
earthquake occurred.

Steps in determining the location of the earthquake epicenter using triangulation

method:

1. Determine the time difference between the arrival of the primary wave
and the arrival of the secondary wave to the seismic stations.
2. Using the S-P time, determine the epicentral distance of each station using
the formula: d= Td x 100 km
8s
Where: d= distance (km)
Td= Time difference in the arrival time of P-wave and S-Wave (s)
3. Choose one in the recording stations and measure the computed distance
using the map scale.
4. Set the drawing compass for that computed distance.
5. Center the compass on the recording station chosen. Draw a circle,
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the rest of the stations. You should get three
circles that intersect or nearly intersect at a point. The intersection of the
three circles is the epicenter of the earthquake.

If the earthquake took place at a far greater distance, seismologists use the
distance-time graph or travel time curves. A travel-time curve is a graph of
arrival times, commonly P or s waves, recorded at different points as a function
of distance from the seismic source. Seismic velocities within the earth can be
computed from the slopes of the resulting curves.
 ACTIVITIES

Module No 3: Activity No. 1: Seismic Waves

Direction: Read the following paragraphs and complete the exercises below.

An earthquake releases energy that travels through the Earth’s interior and the
surface of the earth through the propagation of seismic waves. There are two
main types of seismic waves: body and surface waves. Body waves are those
waves that can travel through the Earth’s inner layer while the surface wave
moves only along the surface of the earth.

There are two types of body waves: primary waves (P) and secondary (S) waves.
Primary waves vibrate parallel to the direction of propagation. P waves can travel
at a velocity of 4 to 6 km/s. Secondary waves vibrate perpendicular to the
direction of propagation. It can travel at a velocity of 3 to 4 km/s.

Surface waves can travel only through the surface of the earth. They arrive after
the primary and secondary waves and are confined to the outer layers of the
Earth. There are two types of surface waves: Love wave and Rayleigh wave. Love
wave is slightly faster than the Rayleigh wave, moving at 4 km/s. Love waves
move the surface of the ground in a side-to-side horizontal motion while Rayleigh
wave rolls along the surface in a circular motion like an ocean wave. Most of the
shaking felt from the vibrations is caused by Rayleigh waves.

Guide Questions:

1. Refer to the paragraph above to identify the type of seismic wave that each
diagram below illustrates. Label each diagram with the correct wave type.

______________________________________ __________________________________
_______________________________________ __________________________________

1. Which of the body waves travel the fastest? slowest?

2. Which of the two seismic waves move to travel the fastest? Why?

4. Why do you think primary and secondary waves are used by the scientists
in gathering data about the earthquake epicenter?

Closure:
Based on your understanding, which would result in greater damage: body
waves or surface waves? Why? Why it is a must to study these waves? Explain
your answer.

Module No 3: Activity No. 2: Determining the Earthquake Epicenter Using the

Triangulation Method
Direction: Study the data showing the difference in the arrival time of P-wave
and S-wave on three seismic recording stations.

Recording Stations Time difference in the Distance of epicenter

arrival time of P-wave from the station
and S-wave (seconds (kilometers or km)
or
s)
JOLO 50 s
LEGASPI 32 s
APARRI 40 s

1. Compute the distance of the epicenter from each of the stations using the
formula : d= Td x 100 km
8s
Where: d= distance (km)
Td= Time difference in the arrival time of P-wave and S-Wave (s)

This formula is suited because 8 seconds is the interval between the times
of arrival of the P=wave and S-wave at a distance of 100 km.
 2. Choose one of the recording stations and measure the computed distance
on the map scale (the scale of the map in Figure 3 is 15 cm: 200 km). Set
your compass for that computed distance.
3. Center your compass at the station you have chosen. Draw a circle.
4. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the rest of the stations. You should get three
circles that intersect or nearly intersect at a point. The intersection is the
epicenter.

Guide Questions:
1. Is earthquake predictable? Explain your answer.
2. What is the minimum number of seismic stations necessary to locate an
epicenter?
3. How can you determine the epicenter of an earthquake using data from
seismic stations worldwide?
4. Where was the epicenter of this earthquake located?
5. Your circle must not have intersected precisely at one point. Other than
the error in your measurement, what are the possible reasons for this?
(Be specific.)

In this activity, the map of the Philippines will be uploaded in your group
messenger.

WRAP-UP

To summarize what have you learned, complete the table by placing a

check in the correct columns.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SEISMIC WAVES
CHARACTERISTICS PRIMARY SECONDARY
WAVES WAVES
1. Travel through gases
2. Travel through liquids
3. Travel through solids
4. Fastest wave
5. Rayleigh wave
6. Slowest wave
7. Push-pull wave
8. Used to find the epicenter
 9. Cause the most damage
10. Use to find the travel time
Table 1. Characteristics of Seismic Waves

Arrange the steps in determining the location of the earthquake epicenter

by writing numbers 1-4 on the blanks provided.
______Determine the difference in the arrival time of P and S waves.
______Use the triangulation method to locate the center.
______Obtain data from three different seismological stations.
______Determine the distance of the epicenter from the station.

VALUING
Module No 3: Activity No. 3: Safety Precautions

Direction: Create a collage showing the safety precautionary measures done

before, during, and after an earthquake at home or in school. Ask your parents
what to do in case of a disaster like an earthquake hits your locality. In the
Philippines, are we prepared about the disasters that may hit our community?
How do you say so? Is schools’ safety enough to withstand the disaster like an
earthquake? How does the Local Government Unit of Pasig City respond to this
geologic event? Why it is a must to conduct earthquake drills in schools, offices,
or even at home?
 Figure 6. Earthquake Drills in Schools

POSTTEST
Read and answer the following questions. Encircle the letter of the best answer.
1. In determining the distance of the earthquake epicenter, what are the
needed information from the seismic recording stations? A. The speed of
the surface wave.
B. The arrival time of the surface wave.
C. The difference in the arrival times of the P and S waves.
D. The ratio of the amplitude of the largest P and S waves.
2. What do you call the method in determining the location of the earthquake
epicenters? A. Triangle method
B. Triangular method
C. Triangulation method
D. All answers are correct.
3. What is the first step in determining the location of an earthquake
epicenter? A. Use the triangulation method to locate the center.
B. Obtain data from three different seismological stations
C. Determine the distance of the epicenter from the station.
D. Determine the difference in the arrival time of P and S waves.
4. The minimum number of seismic stations necessary to locate an epicenter
of an earthquake is three. What do you think will happen if we have only
two data from seismic recording stations?
A. We can easily determine the earthquake epicenter.
B. Nothing will change in determining the earthquake epicenter.
C. We will be having difficulty in identifying the earthquake epicenter.
D. It is much easier in identifying the intersections of the earthquake
epicenter.
5. Why is determining the location of an earthquake epicenter important to us
people?
A. Locating earthquake epicenters will pinpoint which fault lines are
active.
B. So that necessary precautions could be done if ever you’re living in one
of those places.
C. To determine which fault line stores a great amount of energy that may
cause major earthquakes. D. All of the above.
 KEY TO
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References
A. Books
Madriaga, et. al. 2017. Science Links 8 Revised Edition. Manila. Rex Book Store, Inc.
Valdoz, et. al. 2017. Science Links 10 Revised Edition. Manila. Rex Book Store, Inc.
Evangelista, et. al. 2013. Practical Science for Grade 8. Batangas. United Eferza. Academic
Publication Co.
B. Online and Electronic Sources
Photo of Strong Earthquake Shake. Accessed June 26. 2020.
[Link]
philippines/[Link]
Photo of Seismic Wave Propagation. Accessed June 26, 2020.
[Link] http-
wwwsciencelearnorgnz_fig1_296680699
Photo of Primary and Secondary Waves. Accessed June 26, 2020.
[Link]
Photo of 6.2 quake hits Philippine island of Luzon, jolts buildings. Accessed June 26, 2020.
[Link] Philippineisland-of-Luzon-jolts-bu