Visualize the propagation of seismic waves from historic earthquakes through Earth's interior and around its surface.

Basic definitions and characteristics of the different wave types, diagrams, and speeds of the waves. Has links to information on seismology, earthquakes, and plate tectonics.

Find out about the interior structure of the Earth and the role of seismic waves as they move through Earth's layers. The research details both compositional layers as well as mechanical layers.

An inquiry unit that teaches students about the how and why earthquakes cause damage and about life in earthquake country. Students specifically learn about: earthquake damage, where earthquake occur, earthquake patterns, seismic waves,...

Learn about earthquakes and how they are measured. Follow up with some activities that help to enhance your learning.

The paths of some seismic waves and the ground motion that resulted are shown in this poster.

For this exercise, students will interpret one (1) 2D seismic line- Line C. This line is from offshore West Africa. This is as specific that the students need to know to work the exercise. During the review of the solution, it will be...

In this experiment, students go outside and create a simulation of P and S waves traveling across a 30-meter span. This is repeated using a 30-meter square. They experiment with P and S wave behavior, record results, and use...

College instructor's notes on seismology includes earthquake origins, seismic waves, risks and damage assessments, and other information about the interior structure of the Earth.

College-level research information describes how the movement of Earth's interior causes seismic wave activity.

A suite of lessons focusing on all aspects of earthquakes. Inquiry-based exploration of earthquakes includes measuring seismic waves, predicting earthquakes, investigating magnitude and intensity, mapping fault lines, and evaluating...

See how seismic waves propagate outwards, as wave fronts, in all directions following an earthquake.

Informational site provides illustrated tutorial of light reflection. Also discusses the law of reflection.

Earthquakes create seismic waves that travel through the Earth. By analyzing these seismic waves, seismologists can explore the Earth's deep interior. This fact sheet uses data from the 1994 magnitude 6.9 earthquake near Northridge,...

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Discover how scientists learn about Earth's interior using seismic waves, meteorites, density, and the magnetic field. Additional resources are available for download.

This website explains how the Richter and Mercalli Scales work.

Students will learn that scientists use seismic technology (sound waves) to map patterns of rock formations below the surface of the earth and that different types of rocks affect sound waves.

A comprehensive site on plate tectonics and the Earth. Read how the oceanic and continental crusts, as well as the heat and the pressure within the Earth affect plate tectonics.

Scientists used maps and seismic data to produce a computer simulation that accurately shows the creation of the wave that shook the world. In this interactive, examine some of the models and images that reveal details of the tsunami...