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⚡ Earthquake Simulator ⚡

Experience the power of seismic waves and learn earthquake science!

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Seismic Wave Simulator

Click “Trigger Earthquake” to see how different seismic waves travel!

P-waves: Fastest, compress and expand
S-waves: Slower, side-to-side motion
Surface waves: Slowest, most damage

Key Concepts:

  • Focus: The point underground where the earthquake starts
  • Epicenter: The point on Earth’s surface directly above the focus
  • P-waves (Primary): Travel through solids and liquids, arrive first
  • S-waves (Secondary): Only travel through solids, arrive second
  • Surface waves: Travel along Earth’s surface, cause most damage

Triangulation Challenge

Use data from three stations to find the earthquake’s epicenter!

A
B
C
★

Station Data

P-waves arrive first, S-waves arrive later. The time difference tells us the distance!

Station A
–:–
Time Difference
Station B
–:–
Time Difference
Station C
–:–
Time Difference

Earthquake Magnitude Scale

Explore the Richter scale and earthquake effects!

5.0
1-3
Minor
4-5
Light
5-6
Moderate
6-7
Strong
7+
Major
1.0 – 2.9
Micro: Not felt by people. Detected only by seismographs.
3.0 – 3.9
Minor: Felt by some people. No damage to buildings.
4.0 – 4.9
Light: Felt by most people. Windows rattle, dishes disturbed.
5.0 – 5.9
Moderate: Everyone feels it. Some damage to weak structures.
6.0 – 6.9
Strong: Damage to buildings. Items fall from shelves.
7.0+
Major/Great: Serious damage. Buildings collapse. Ground cracks.

Earthquake Safety

Learn what to do before, during, and after an earthquake!

🏠
Indoors
🌳
Outdoors
🚗
In a Car

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

1
DROP to your hands and knees immediately
2
COVER your head and neck under a sturdy desk or table
3
HOLD ON to your shelter and be ready to move with it

❌ Do NOT:

  • Run outside during shaking
  • Stand in doorways
  • Try to move or rescue others during shaking