In: Physics
S and P waves from an earthquake travel at different speeds, and this difference helps in the determination of the earthquake "epicenter" (where the disturbance took place).
(a) Assuming typical speeds of 8.0 km/s and 5.7 km/s for
P and S waves, respectively, how far away did the
earthquake occur if a particular seismic station detects the
arrival of these two types of waves 5.0 min apart? 5947840 KM IS
INCCORECT WHAT IS THE CORRECT ANSWER?
km
(b) Is one seismic station sufficient to determine the position of
the epicenter?
Yes/No
Explain.
a)
b) No, in order to locate the epicenter we have to use a minimum of three stations because when we draw a circle corresponding to the distance to the epicenter from each station, the intersecting point of 3 circles will be a single point and it is more accurate.