7.2 Eastern Turkey Earthquake

Submitted by PAESTA on Tue, 10/25/2011 - 2:04pm

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck 12 miles northeast of the city of Van in eastern Turkey on Sunday, October 23, 2011. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 12.4 miles and caused strong shaking throughout a broad area, causing significant damage to Van and neighboring towns.

IRIS – Teachable Moment Presentation, Animations and Visualizations

IRIS Recent Earthquake Teachable Moment (including MS PowerPoint presentation)

Articles to Share with Students

General Information

Questions for Classroom Discussion

What is an earthquake? Where are earthquakes most common?
Describe the difference between the magnitude (Richter Scale) and intensity (Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale) of an earthquake. Why are both of these scales important for learning about an earthquake event?
How do scientists study earthquakes? Who else is involved in studying and reporting on earthquakes besides scientists?
Where was the most recent earthquake in the United States? In the world? Which recent earthquake was the closest to you? (*use the website http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ to answer this question)
Are earthquakes common or rare in Eastern Turkey? Explain why.
Could an earthquake occur in Pennsylvania? Explain why/why not.
Why do you think earthquakes are so difficult to predict?
Should people be able to live in an area where earthquakes occur? Why/why not?

Big Ideas

From the Earth Science Literacy Principles Big Idea 1. Earth scientists use repeatable observations and testable ideas to understand and explain our planet. (1.2, 1.3, 1.4)

Big Idea 3. Earth is a complex system of interacting rock, water, air, and life. (3.6, 3.7)
Big Idea 4. Earth is continuously changing. (4.5)
Big Idea 8. Natural hazards pose risks to humans. (8.1, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8)

From The Big Ideas in Earth and Space Science (ESBD)