Question

Q. Which of the following statements best describes the 'Shadow zone' of an earthquake?

• A.
  Places where the tendency of experiencing an earthquake is the maximum
• B.
  The place where the destruction is highest due to the hypocentre being below the zone
• C.
  Earthquake waves reflect back due to the presence of large ocean beds
• D.
  None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D

None of the above
Explanation:

Earthquake waves get recorded in seismographs located at far off locations. However, there exist some specific areas where the waves are not reported. Such a zone is called the 'shadow zone'.

When earthquakes occur, they produce primary and secondary waves (called compression and shear waves sometimes). P-waves can travel through liquid and solid while S-waves can only travel through solid. This characteristic of the S-waves is quite important as it has helped scientists to understand the structure of the interior of the earth. Hence, none of the above options (A), (B) and (C) is correct.

There are 2 different types of shadow zones (areas where these waves relative to the epicenter of the Earthquake. The P-wave shadow zone is 103-142 degrees and the S-wave shadow zone is 103-103 degrees.

You can see the image below or at the Q Source.