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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Social Studies

Alicia

26 February, 02:35

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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Courtney Dominguez · 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.