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 two earthquakes with the same magnitude, depth, and relative motion occur in two cities, A and B. City A is near a plate boundary, city B is far from a plate boundary. Which earthquake would cause the
Most shaking farthest from the epicenter?
A) The one in city A because there are many nearby faults
B) The one in city A because there are few nearby faults
C) The one in city B because there are many nearby faults
D) The one in city B because there are few nearby faults

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 two earthquakes with the same magnitude, depth, and relative motion occur in two cities, A and B. City A is near a plate boundary, city B is far from a plate boundary. Which earthquake would cause the
Most shaking farthest from the epicenter?
A) The one in city A because there are many nearby faults 
B) The one in city A because there are few nearby faults 
C) The one in city B because there are many nearby faults 
D) The one in city B because there are few nearby faults

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The earthquake in city B would cause more shaking farthest from the epicenter because it is far from a plate boundary, meaning there are fewer faults to absorb and dissipate the seismic energy, allowing it to travel farther.

Three Seismograms for a Single Earthquake with an Epicenter in Columbia