Answer to Question 1P-waves are primary waves; they arrive first to a seismograph because they are the fastest. They are
compressional and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. S-waves are secondary waves; they
arrive second to a seismograph. They are shear waves because they move the material perpendicular to
the direction of travel. S-waves can only travel through solids.
Answer to Question 2Although the causes are not well understood, these earthquakes are likely caused by localized stresses
caused by the compression that most plates experience along their margins.