Question

which statement describes seismic waves?
○ they carry energy.
○ they move in one direction.
○ they originate from the epicenter.
○ they only vibrate at earth’s surface.

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about seismic waves:

• Seismic waves are produced by earthquakes and carry energy from the focus (hypocenter) through the Earth or along its surface.
• They do not move in one direction (they radiate outward from the source).
• They originate from the focus, not the epicenter (the epicenter is the point on the surface above the focus).
• They include body waves (travel through Earth’s interior) and surface waves (travel along the surface), so they don’t only vibrate at the surface.

Thus, the correct description is that they carry energy.

Answer:

A. They carry energy