Final answer:
Seismic waves include P-waves, which are longitudinal and faster, and S-waves, which are transverse and slower. Differentiating between these waves helps geologists estimate the distance to an earthquake's epicenter. Seismographs rely on this principle to detect and record seismic wave arrival times.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compare and contrast the types of seismic waves, one must look at the various characteristics of each wave type. Seismic waves are critical to understanding earthquakes and the Earth's interior structure. The two main types of waves generated by earthquakes are
In addition to P- and S-waves, earthquakes generate surface waves that travel along Earth's surface. Differentiating between P-waves and S-waves is important because it helps geologists understand how earthquake energy affects materials and allows them to determine the distance to an earthquake's epicenter.
The principle of the seismograph is based on detecting and recording the arrival times of these seismic waves. Seismographs measure these times with high precision, and by analyzing the time difference between the arrival of P-waves and S-waves, geologists can estimate the distance to the earthquake's epicenter. This method is analogous to techniques like ultrasound imaging, which is used to see inside the human body.