How do scientists know how deep an earthquake was?
Quick Answer
They compare the arrival times of seismic waves at different stations and use those patterns to calculate the focus depth. Deeper quakes often have a different wave signature than shallow ones.
The Full Story
Earthquake depth is determined by analyzing how seismic waves travel through Earth and arrive at sensors around the world. The pattern of P and S wave arrival times changes depending on how deep the rupture occurred. Seismologists use these records, along with Earth models, to estimate the focus depth. Shallow earthquakes usually cause more surface damage because the energy is released closer to people and buildings. Deeper earthquakes can be felt over wide areas but may produce less intense shaking at the surface.
Key Facts
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