24.1.2. Seismic Wave Propagation

Try these first

1. 1.

   What type of seismic wave travels the fastest?

   Hint

   Remember the first letter of primary.

2. 2.

   Which seismic waves can travel through liquids?

   Hint

   Think of how they are primary.

3. 3.

   What type of wave travels fastest during an earthquake?

   • P-waves
   • S-waves
   • Surface waves

   Hint

   They are called primary waves!

4. 4.

   True or False: S-waves can travel through liquids.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about their name 'secondary'.

5. 5.

   If an earthquake's P-wave arrives at a seismic station 5 seconds before the S-wave, and the speed of the P-wave is 6 km/s and the S-wave is 3.5 km/s, estimate the distance to the epicentre.

   Hint

   Don't forget the different speeds for the two wave types.

6. 6.

   Discuss the potential impacts of miscalculating the epicentre location on emergency response efforts.

   Hint

   Consider how crucial timing and location are during emergencies.