24.13.1. Instrumental and Human Errors

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does instrumental calibration ensure?

   Hint

   Think about why accurate measurements are important.

2. 2.

   What is an error ellipse?

   Hint

   Consider how we might show uncertainty.

3. 3.

   What role does instrument calibration play in determining an earthquake's epicentre?

   Hint

   Why is accuracy so critical in scientific measurements?

4. 4.

   True or False: Errors in arrival time readings can affect the accuracy of the epicentre location.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the importance of precise timing.

5. 5.

   A seismic network consists of five stations, but due to a power outage, three stations fail to record data during an earthquake. Discuss how this might impact the calculated epicentre.

   Hint

   Consider how triangulation relies on multiple points.

6. 6.

   If a seismic station has a poorly calibrated instrument that consistently underreports P-wave arrival times by 2 seconds, analyze the potential impact this could have on epicentre location.

   Hint

   Think about how timing affects distance calculations.