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EARTH EXPEDITIONS / FIELD STATION 04

Earthquake Epicenter Finder

Use three seismic stations to triangulate an earthquake epicenter.

YOUR FIELD PASSPORT0 / 12Junior explorer
◈ EPICENTER HUNTPredict. Experiment. Collect evidence.+1 FIELD BADGE
Live instrument displayREADY TO EXPLORE
01002003004005006000100200300ALPHABRAVOCHARLIEEAST / NORTH COORDINATES · km

Click to place the marker. Keyboard users can use the coordinate sliders.

ALPHA · S − P34.71 s
BRAVO · S − P24.43 s
CHARLIE · S − P13.47 s
THREE STATIONS · ONE SOURCE
ALPHAP: 48.59 s · S: 83.30 sRadius = S–P gap ÷ (1/3.5 − 1/6)
BRAVOP: 34.20 s · S: 58.62 sRadius = S–P gap ÷ (1/3.5 − 1/6)
CHARLIEP: 18.86 s · S: 32.32 sRadius = S–P gap ÷ (1/3.5 − 1/6)
Distances and arrival gaps are calculated; the local map is fictional.
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Free online earthquake epicenter game

Earthquake Epicenter Finder: experiment guide

This browser-based educational game helps you use three seismic stations to triangulate an earthquake epicenter. Designed for Grades 6–10, it turns an abstract idea into a model you can control, measure, reset, and test without signing up.

What you can investigate

Explore P-waves, S-waves, triangulation, epicenter by changing the available controls and comparing the model’s visual and numerical evidence. Try one variable at a time, then combine changes to test a stronger explanation.

P-wavesS-wavestriangulationepicenter

How to use this simulation

  1. 1Read the mission and make a prediction before moving a control.
  2. 2Change one variable so its effect is easier to identify.
  3. 3Run the model and record a value, pattern, or visible change.
  4. 4Reset, test a different setup, and explain the result from evidence.

For students, teachers, and independent study

A typical investigation takes 8–15 min. Use it as a lesson demonstration, a guided inquiry activity, a homework experiment, or a quick review. The simulation runs in a modern web browser and does not require an account.

Level
Intermediate
Time
8–15 min
Format
Educational game

Common questions

What does the Earthquake Epicenter Finder teach?

Use three seismic stations to triangulate an earthquake epicenter. The main ideas are P-waves, S-waves, triangulation, epicenter.

Is the Earthquake Epicenter Finder free to use?

Yes. You can run the simulation online for free without creating an account.

How long does the activity take?

Most learners can complete one investigation in 8–15 min. You can repeat it to compare more variables or improve your explanation.