27.1. Components of a Seismogram

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the three components of a seismogram?

   Hint

   Think of how the ground moves in different directions.

2. 2.

   What does the vertical component primarily record?

   Hint

   Which waves are the fastest?

3. 3.

   What does a seismogram primarily measure?

   • Weather patterns
   • Ground motion
   • Tsunami levels

   Hint

   It's related to earthquakes.

4. 4.

   Which wave primarily influences the vertical component of a seismogram?

   • S-wave
   • P-wave
   • Surface wave

   Hint

   Think about the wave that arrives first.

5. 5.

   A seismogram from a recent earthquake shows strong vertical motion but weak horizontal motion. Discuss the potential implications for structures designed based solely on horizontal component data.

   Hint

   Analyze the consequences of neglecting one component.

6. 6.

   Suppose you have a building that performed poorly during an earthquake as per the seismograms analyzed. Describe how you would address this for future designs based on the seismogram components.

   Hint

   Consider designs that integrate all three directions of movement.