Seismic waves generally travel much shorter distances on the West Coast than on the East Coast because:

Seismic waves generally travel shorter distances on the West Coast than on the East Coast due to differences in the earth’s crust in these regions. The crust in the western United States does not allow seismic waves to travel as far as they do in the east.

Seismic waves, as part of an earthquake’s effects, play a critical role in determining the response strategies in emergency management. For example, in the ICS, the Planning Section would use information about seismic wave propagation to forecast the potential impact area and develop evacuation or response plans. The Logistics Section might focus on how infrastructure could be affected, considering that areas with longer seismic wave travel might experience more widespread damage.