A seismograph station is located 2000 km from the earth's epicenter. Explain the order that the S and P waves will arrive at the station, Using what you know about the characteristics of the different waves, explain your answer.

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Kristina Griffith

Social Studies

11 August, 01:37

A seismograph station is located 2000 km from the earth's epicenter. Explain the order that the S and P waves will arrive at the station, Using what you know about the characteristics of the different waves, explain your answer.

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Korbin Wise · Answer 1

The Primary waves will reach first, then The Secondary waves, then the Surface Waves. (you can figure this out by its names too) Since primary waves pull and compress and expand like an accordion, they will reach the seismograph station first (due to them heading straight). The Secondary waves reach second because they move back and forth in a zig-zag pattern, rather than a straight line - like the primary waves. Since surface waves move the slowest, they make the most severe ground movement - also hence it coming last.