In this activity, students explore tectonic movements called slow slips. They plot and interpret a graph using data from an actual event in New Zealand.
Slow slip events can be tricky for students to understand as they involve very small movements, but they are a great extension study for students who have an understanding of the more well known form of earthquakes.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
- understand the difference between earthquakes and slow slips
- plot and interpret data on a line graph
- explain a scientific application of GPS technology.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
- introduction/background notes
- what you need
- what to do
- discussion questions
- student handout.
Activity ideas
Satellites and receiving stations play a key role in providing data about slow slips. Learn more about Earth movements, then build a satellite to monitor them and use this activity to interpret the data you receive.
Useful links
In 2011, scientists from around the world met in Gisborne to consider how to study slow slips.
Find out about slow slips recorded in Poverty Bay in 2010.
