How does a seismologist use trigonometry to measure seismic waves?

Answer 1

Seismologists use trigonometry to measure seismic waves by analyzing the arrival times of seismic waves at different seismograph stations. By calculating the time differences between the arrival of the P-wave and S-wave at each station, seismologists can determine the distance from the earthquake epicenter to the station. This distance, along with the known velocity of seismic waves in the Earth's crust, allows seismologists to triangulate the exact location of the earthquake epicenter. Trigonometry is essential for accurately determining the location of seismic events and understanding the Earth's internal structure.

Answer 2

Three earthquake detecting locations, usually the three closest seismographs all record a reading for how long it took the p then s waves to get there and how strong they are. With a compass, a circle or arc is created around each station depending on its distance from the epicenter based on the data. The point where the three circles intersect to create a triangle type figure is where the epicenter is. You can then connect the three stations into a triangle and get more accurate date from the side lengths and angles to the epicenter.