P and S Wave Travel Times

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains.

Front

What is a P-wave?

Back

A P-wave, or primary wave, is the fastest type of seismic wave that travels through the Earth, compressing and expanding the material it moves through.

Front

What is an S-wave?

Back

An S-wave, or secondary wave, is a type of seismic wave that arrives after P-waves and moves the ground up and down or side to side.

Front

What is the difference between P-waves and S-waves?

Back

P-waves are compressional waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, while S-waves are shear waves that can only travel through solids.

Front

What is the order of arrival for seismic waves at a seismic station?

Back

P-waves arrive first, followed by S-waves, and then surface waves.

Front

How long does it typically take for an S-wave to travel compared to a P-wave?

Back

S-waves typically take about 1.7 times longer than P-waves to travel the same distance.

Front

If a P-wave takes 5 minutes to reach a seismic station, how long will an S-wave take?

Back

Approximately 9 minutes.

Front

If a P-wave takes 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach a seismic station, how long will an S-wave take?

Back

Approximately 15 minutes.

Front

What is the speed of P-waves compared to S-waves?

Back

P-waves travel faster than S-waves, with P-waves moving at about 6-8 km/s and S-waves at about 3-4 km/s.

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

Surface waves are seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface and typically cause the most damage during an earthquake.