Chapter 26, Problem 19TE

To determine

The safe land surface during an earthquake.

Answer to Problem 19TE

The safe land surface during the earthquake is rigid bedrock.

Explanation of Solution

During an earthquake, the earthquake waves are said to travel fast with small amplitude through the hard materials compared to soft sandy soils. The earthquake waves travel with moderate amplitude through soft sandy soils. This is the reason that the buildings constructed on rigid bedrock surface resist better during an earthquake.

The buildings on the bedrock surface shake less than the buildings on sandy soil. This is the reason that the rigid bedrock is considered safe land during an earthquake.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the safe land surface during the earthquake is rigid bedrock