Question

a seismograph from an earthquake with an epicenter about 200 miles away shows
a a large arrival for the first p-waves and then a tapering off
b a large arrival for the first p-waves, then a falling off, then a large arrival for the first s-waves
c a small arrival for the first p-waves then a large arrival for the first s-waves

Explanation:

P-waves are the fastest seismic waves, so they arrive first at a seismograph. They are compressional waves and produce smaller initial amplitude signals compared to the larger, more destructive shear (S)-waves that arrive later. For an earthquake 200 miles away, the seismograph will first detect small P-waves, followed by larger S-waves.

Answer:

c. A small arrival for the first P-waves then a large arrival for the first S-waves