In: Physics
Two points A and B on the surface of the Earth are at the same longitude and θ = 55.0° apart in latitude as shown in the figure below. Suppose an earthquake at point A creates a P wave that reaches point B by traveling straight through the body of the Earth at a constant speed of 7.20 km/s. The earthquake also radiates a Rayleigh wave that travels at 3.05 km/s. In addition to P and S waves, Rayleigh waves are a third type of seismic wave that travels along the surface of the Earth rather than through the bulk of the Earth.
(a) Which of these two seismic waves arrives at B first?
the Rayleigh wave
the longitudinal P wave
(b) What is the time difference between the arrivals of these two waves at B? (The radius of the Earth is 6370 km.)
(1A) The longitudinal P wave travels a shorter distance and is moving faster, so it will arrive at point B first. Thus, 2nd option is correct.
(B)
Radius of earth R = 6370 km
velocity of p wave vp = 7.2 km/s
velocity of r wave vr = 3.05 km/s
from the geometry of the figure;
Time taken by P wave;
Time taken by Rayleigh wave;
The time difference is