Epicenter

Which of the four seismic stations is located farthest from

the epicenter?

• A

• B

• C

• D

A seismograph station records a difference in arrival time between the S- and P-wave of 4 minutes. About how far away is the earthquake epicenter? [Refer to the Earth Science Reference Tables.]

• 1,000 km

• 5,200 km

• 2,600 km

• 1,900 km

A P-wave reaches a seismograph station 2,600 kilometers

from an earthquake epicenter at 12:10 p.m. According to the

Earth Science Reference Tables, at what time did the

earthquake occur?

• A) 12:01 p.m.

• B) 12:15 p.m.

• C) 12:19 p.m.

• D) 12:05 p.m.

An earthquake occurred at 5:00:00 a.m. According to the

Earth Science Reference Tables, at what time would the

P-wave reach a seismic station 3,000 kilometers from the

epicenter?

• A) 5:04:30 a.m.

• B) 5:05:40 a.m.

• C) 5:01:40 a.m.

• D) 5:10:15 a.m.

The epicenter of an earthquake is located near Massena,

New York. According to the Earth Science Reference

Tables, the greatest difference in arrival times of the P- and

S-waves for this earthquake would be recorded in

• A) Utica, New York

• B) Binghamton, New York

• C) Plattsburgh, New York

• D) Albany, New York

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

On another day, location A records the arrival of compression waves (P-waves), but not shear waves (S-waves), from a distant earthquake. Which statement best explains why shear waves were not received?

• Shear waves are stopped by the iron and nickel inner core.

• Shear waves are transmitted through all parts of the Earth.

• Shear waves are not transmitted through the Earth's outer core.

• Shear waves are faster than compression waves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

The arrival time of the first earthquake P-wave at a seismograph station was 10:11:20 (hours:minutes:seconds). If the epicenter of the earthquake is 8000 km away, what was the approximate arrival time of the first S-wave from this earthquake?

• 10:02:00

• 10:09:20

• 10:20:40

• 10:32:00

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which seismic station is closest to the epicenter of the earthquake?

• A

• B

• C

Which seismic station is furthest from the epicenter of the earthquake?

• A

• B

• C

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

• The point on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake focus

• The point within the Earth where the earthquake originates

• The boundary between tectonic plates

• The location where the most damage occurs

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2