how do you find the epicenter of an earthquake?

Question

just in simple numbered steps....how do you find it...i have an idea but am still very foggy. thanks a bunch!

Answer 1

1. Calculate the S-P time for at least 3 seismograph recordings. A seismograph reading should be provided to you. The P-wave is the first wave spike, the S-wave is the much bigger wave spike just after the P wave. Remember the further apart the P and S waves are, the farther the station is from the epicentre.

2. Using these measurements to find the distance from the epicentre using a standardized P and S wave chart. http://www.mrsciguy.com/sciimages/pg11b.gif

3. Use these the distance at each station to draw a circle of that radius around the station on a scaled map (use a compass for accuracy). Example: If the seismograph is 2500 km away from the epicentre, draw a circle around the seismograph station that had a radius of 2500 km, according to your map scale.

4. After drawing at least 3 circles, the intersection of the circles is the epicentre. More circles means better accuracy. If you only use 3 circles and they do not intersect exactly, then the epicentre is likely within the triangle that is created.

Answer 2

Epicenter Of An Earthquake

Answer 3

The answer given by the first person is correct until I came with the new concept. I have designed a direction finder that can help you to find the location from single seismograph station. It is approximate but fair enough to decide to issue Tsunami warning. Please visit my web to have better knowledge on earthquakes and Tsunami. You can also hear my speech by clicking the speaker symbol.
http://www.mediafire.com/?1bbdzzdml1e

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
how do you find the epicenter of an earthquake?
just in simple numbered steps....how do you find it...i have an idea but am still very foggy. thanks a bunch!

Answer 5

Great question! How about adding to it, How did they discover in Calif that they've found a new fault zone (in western central Calif?)