Final answer:
Earthquake warning systems can occasionally provide alerts, but their reliability is limited due to the unpredictable nature of seismic activity. Seismographs contribute to this by offering data based on wave arrival times, which helps determine the location of an earthquake's epicenter with some level of uncertainty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Earthquake warning systems can provide alerts about 10% of the time. These warnings are generated based on a variety of seismic signals, but the earthquake prediction technology is not completely reliable due to the complex nature of earthquake processes. It's challenging to predict precisely when and where an earthquake will occur and its magnitude.
Seismographs are instruments used to detect and record earthquakes. They provide data by measuring the arrival times of S- and P-waves, which helps to determine the epicenter's distance. However, because these waves travel at different speeds and the precision is only to 0.100 seconds, there is some uncertainty in determining the exact location of the earthquake's source.
To minimize the impacts of large earthquakes, governments and individuals can ensure adherence to building codes, create emergency response plans, and practice evacuation drills. Proper preparation and community involvement play significant roles in reducing the potential devastation caused by earthquakes.