Three seismograms for a single earthquake with an epicenter in Columbia are shown below. The data are from stations that were at very different distances from the epicenter. Arrows denote arrival of P and S waves. Note: Vertical scales are not all the same.

-Suppose you were near the epicenter and felt the Earth move as if you were in the ocean. What type of seismic wave would you have experienced?
A) P-wave
B) S-wave
C) Surface wave

Question

Three seismograms for a single earthquake with an epicenter in Columbia are shown below. The data are from stations that were at very different distances from the epicenter. Arrows denote arrival of P and S waves. Note: Vertical scales are not all the same.
 
-Suppose you were near the epicenter and felt the Earth move as if you were in the ocean. What type of seismic wave would you have experienced?
A) P-wave 
B) S-wave 
C) Surface wave

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Surface waves cause the ground to move in a rolling motion, similar to waves in the ocean, and are typically felt near the epicenter.

Three Seismograms for a Single Earthquake with an Epicenter in Columbia