Seismograms The three basic types of waves generated from earthquakes are P, S,
ID: 296440 • Letter: S
Question
Seismograms
The three basic types of waves generated from earthquakes are P, S, and surface waves. P and S waves travel through the earth, while the surface waves are transmitted along the surface of the earth. P waves are the fastest, or have the greatest velocity. P waves will arrive at a seismograph first. S waves will arrive at the seismograph second, followed by surface waves. P waves also have smaller amplitudes (height) and shorter wavelengths (time between amplitude spikes or wave crests).
The equipment at a station that detects and records seismic activity is called a seismograph. Seismographs produce a visual recording of the activity in a seismogram. Use the attached seismogram-1 for the following:
How many minutes did it take to record the entire earthquake from the first P wave to the end of the surface waves?
How many minutes elapsed between the arrival of the first P wave and the arrival of the first S wave?
How many minutes elapsed between the first P wave and the first surface wave?
Is the maximum amplitude of the surface waves less (L) than or greater (G) than the maximum amplitude of the P wave?
How many minutes did it take to record the entire earthquake from the first P wave to the end of the surface waves?
How many minutes elapsed between the arrival of the first P wave and the arrival of the first S wave?
How many minutes elapsed between the first P wave and the first surface wave?
Is the maximum amplitude of the surface waves less (L) than or greater (G) than the maximum amplitude of the P wave?
Explanation / Answer
1).It takes about 1 minutes to record the entire earthquake from the first P wave to the end of the surface waves.
2).It takes to approx 5 minutes between arrival of the first P wave to the arrival of first S wave.
3).It takes to approx 7 minutes between arrival of the first P wave to the arrival of first surface wave.
4). Greater
Maximum amplitude of the surface waves is approximately 5 times the maximum amplitude of the P wave