Question

If an earthquake occurs in Australia, which waves will a seismic station in Japan record?

A. P and S waves
B. P waves only
C. S waves only
D. Neither P or S waves

Answer 1

A. P and S waves

Step-by-step explanation:

P waves are compression waves while S waves are shear waves. P-waves are usually faster than S-waves (about 60% faster). P and S waves are called body waves because they move through the interior of the earth.

When an earthquake occurs, P and S waves are produced. A seismic recording station an be used to record the arrival of these two waves. Since the P wave is faster than the S wave, hence the P wave would first arrive at the station. The earthquake epicenter can be determined by the difference in time of arrival between the P and S wave.