- The graph shows two curves labeled P and S, representing the travel times of P-waves and S-waves from an earthquake's epicenter.
- The horizontal axis represents epicenter distance in thousands of kilometers (×10³ km), ranging from 0 to 10.
- The vertical axis represents travel time in minutes, ranging from 0 to 24.
- The P-wave curve is lower and steeper, indicating P-waves travel faster than S-waves.
- The S-wave curve is higher and less steep, indicating S-waves take longer to reach a given distance.
- To find the time difference between P and S waves at a specific distance, locate that distance on the x-axis, move up to intersect both curves, and read the corresponding times on the y-axis.
- Subtract the P-wave time from the S-wave time to get the lag time, which increases with distance.
- This lag time can be used to determine the distance to the epicenter if the arrival times of both waves are known.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of earthquake p wave and s wave travel time worksheet.
