Seismic Wave Analysis Concepts

This podcast episode from the Homk Middle School Earth Science Department covers the P-wave and S-wave chart on page 11 of the reference table. It explains key terms such as travel time, arrival time, origin time, and lag time. The episode guides listeners on how to read the chart, solve basic and advanced problems, and use seismograms to determine lag time and epicenter distance. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of identifying key information and using the chart effectively to answer questions about seismic waves.

What is the term used to describe the time it takes for a seismic wave to reach a specific location from the epicenter?

• Lag time

• Travel time

• Arrival time

• Origin time

Which of the following is NOT a key term related to seismic waves?

• Wave height

• Travel time

• Arrival time

• Epicenter location

Which axis on the P-wave and S-wave chart represents the epicenter distance?

• Vertical axis

• Horizontal axis

• Diagonal axis

• None of the above

If an S-wave travels for 4 minutes, approximately how far does it travel according to the chart?

• 2,000 kilometers

• 500 kilometers

• 1,000 kilometers

• 1,500 kilometers

How long does it take a P-wave to travel 5,000 kilometers?

• 8 minutes and 20 seconds

• 9 minutes

• 7 minutes and 30 seconds

• 6 minutes

What is the origin time if a P-wave travels 8,000 kilometers and arrives at 11:40 a.m.?

• 11:29 a.m.

• 11:30 a.m.

• 11:31 a.m.

• 11:32 a.m.

If an earthquake arrives at 12:00 p.m. and travels 6,000 kilometers, when will the S-wave arrive?

• 12:07:40 p.m.

• 12:08:00 p.m.

• 12:10:00 p.m.

• 12:09:20 p.m.

What is the primary purpose of the wedgie method in analyzing seismic data?

• To determine travel time

• To calculate lag time

• To find epicenter distance

• To measure wave speed

How do you determine the epicenter distance using the wedgie method?

• By measuring the travel time

• By marking the lag time on a piece of paper

• By calculating the wave speed

• By using a compass

What is the lag time if the P-wave arrives at 12:00 p.m. and the S-wave arrives at 12:07:40 p.m.?

• 8 minutes

• 7 minutes and 40 seconds

• 7 minutes and 20 seconds

• 7 minutes