By measuring the difference in arrival times at a seismometer station they can be used to determine the distance to the epicentre of an earthquake.
They may also be used to estimate the properties of the subsurface and it's structure (refraction and reflection seismology).
Please see the related questions for further information.
A seismograph can locate a seismic wave.
Seismic wave
You need a shotgun and shoot the wave and that's how you stop a seismic wave
In air, the seismic waves(P-wave) are simply sound waves, and travel with the speed of sound (approx. 335 m/s).
the sound wave
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The seismic wave that travels fast and increases its speed with depth is called a primary or P-wave. P-waves are compressional waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, and they are the fastest seismic waves.
When a seismic wave encounters a boundary, such as the interface between different geological layers, it can be reflected back, a phenomenon known as reflection. This occurs when the wave's speed changes due to differences in material properties, like density and elasticity. The angle of incidence, which is the angle at which the wave strikes the boundary, determines the angle of reflection, following the law of reflection. This bouncing back of waves is crucial for seismic imaging and understanding subsurface structures.
The seismic wave you are referring to is a P-wave, or primary wave. P-waves are compressional waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, and they are the fastest type of seismic wave, typically increasing in speed as they move deeper into the Earth due to higher pressure and density. Their ability to propagate through various materials makes them essential for understanding the Earth's internal structure and for seismic exploration.
A P-wave (primary wave) is expected to have the greatest wave speed among seismic waves, traveling through solids, liquids, and gases. P-waves are compressional waves that can travel through the Earth's interior with the highest velocity compared to other types of seismic waves.
deflect
The formula to calculate the speed of seismic waves, known as the P-wave velocity, is V D / T, where V is the velocity, D is the distance traveled by the wave, and T is the time it takes for the wave to travel that distance.
Seismic wave
A seismograph can locate a seismic wave.
The structure of Earth's interior affects seismic wave speed and direction differently at different boundaries. As P waves enter the mantle, they pick up speed until they enter the core, where the wave paths are bent sharply.
The fastest wave is the electromagnetic wave. Of the seismic waves, the P-wave is the fastest seismic wave.
You need a shotgun and shoot the wave and that's how you stop a seismic wave