Enter the distance to the earthquake epicenter and the average velocity of seismic waves to calculate the travel time of the waves to your location.
Earthquake Travel Time Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the earthquake travel time.
TT = D / V
Variables:
- TT is the travel time of the seismic waves (seconds)
- D is the distance to the earthquake epicenter (kilometers)
- V is the average velocity of seismic waves (kilometers per second)
To calculate the earthquake travel time, divide the distance to the earthquake epicenter by the average velocity of seismic waves.
What is Earthquake Travel Time?
Earthquake travel time is the duration it takes for seismic waves to travel from the earthquake epicenter to a specific location. This time can be used to estimate the distance to the epicenter and is crucial for early warning systems to alert populations before the shaking starts.
How to Calculate Earthquake Travel Time?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Earthquake Travel Time.
- First, determine the distance to the earthquake epicenter (D) in kilometers.
- Next, determine the average velocity of seismic waves (V) in kilometers per second.
- Next, gather the formula from above = TT = D / V.
- Finally, calculate the Earthquake Travel Time (TT) in seconds.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Distance to the earthquake epicenter (D) = 300 kilometers
Average velocity of seismic waves (V) = 5 km/s
