A U.S. map shows the location and magnitude of earthquakes in the USA, including Alaska and Hawaii. Keep a record of the location of earthquakes for an extended period of time. Plot the location of the earthquakes on the map. Color code your marks for earthquakes to indicate the relative magnitude. Use a different color for each whole number value.
Earthquakes occur along the boundaries of tectonic plates.
Use your earthquake locations to infer the location of plate boundaries. Sketch them on your map. Compare your earthquake locations with the boundaries of the major tectonic plates of the Earth shown on these maps showing plate boundaries . Outline a square on your map no larger than 5 degrees in a location that you predict an earthquake will occur within the next week. Record earthquakes for the next week to see if an earthquake occurs in your predicted area.