Question

if we know the s - p arrival time, we can refer to published charts to determine the distance to the earthquakes epicenter. what is distance to the epicenter if s wave arrives 3.5 minutes after p wave? (careful - the #2 and #3 are only from the example in the book. you are looking for the distance at which the difference between the p - and s - curves equals the time interval you found above. be sure to use the bottom scale for miles or figure 5.14 in your book)

Explanation:

Step1: Locate time interval on graph

Find the 3.5 - minute interval between S - wave and P - wave curves.

Step2: Determine corresponding distance

Read the distance value on the x - axis (bottom scale for miles) at the point where the time - interval is 3.5 minutes. From the graph, the distance is approximately 1500 miles.

Answer:

1500 miles