24.14.2. Travel-Time Curves and Distance Estimation

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a travel-time curve used for?

   Hint

   Think about what information seismic waves give us.

2. 2.

   Name the two types of primary seismic waves mentioned in this section.

   Hint

   One wave type is faster than the other.

3. 3.

   What does a travel-time curve indicate?

   • The speed of light
   • The depth of the Earth's crust
   • The travel time of seismic waves

   Hint

   Focus on what the curve is designed to represent.

4. 4.

   True or False: S-waves arrive at a seismic station before P-waves.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember the order in which waves travel.

5. 5.

   Given a travel-time curve, if a P-wave arrives after 6 seconds and an S-wave arrives after 10 seconds, calculate the approximate distance to the epicenter if the wave speeds are 6 km/s for P-waves and 3.5 km/s for S-waves.

   Hint

   Ensure you are using the right formula, which involves distance equal to speed times time.

6. 6.

   Explain why understanding travel-time curves is vital in emergency response following an earthquake.

   Hint

   Think about the immediate needs after an earthquake.