Types of Seismic Waves
When an earthquake occurs, it generates two types of seismic waves: body and surface waves.
Body waves, which travel through the interior of the Earth, are mainly of two types: primary waves, or P-waves, and secondary waves, or S-waves.
P-waves are the fastest type of seismic wave and the first to be detected by a seismometer, which is why they are known as primary waves. As they travel, P-waves compress and expand rocks. However, the material returns to its original size and shape after the wave passes, making P-waves less destructive than other seismic waves.
S-waves travel slower and arrive after P-waves, earning them the name secondary waves.
These waves move up and down, altering the shape of the rocks they pass through. Due to this movement, S-waves can cause more structural damage than P-waves.
Surface waves move along the ground and are categorized into two types: Love and Rayleigh waves. Love waves move in a horizontal, side-to-side motion, similar to a snake's movement. In contrast, Rayleigh waves create a rolling motion, like ocean waves.
When an earthquake occurs, it generates two types of seismic waves: body and surface waves.
Body waves, which travel through the interior of the Earth, are mainly of two types: primary waves, or P-waves, and secondary waves, or S-waves.
P-waves are the fastest type of seismic wave and the first to be detected by a seismometer, which is why they are known as primary waves. As they travel, P-waves compress and expand rocks. However, the material returns to its original size and shape after the wave passes, making P-waves less destructive than other seismic waves.
S-waves travel slower and arrive after P-waves, earning them the name secondary waves.
These waves move up and down, altering the shape of the rocks they pass through. Due to this movement, S-waves can cause more structural damage than P-waves.
Surface waves move along the ground and are categorized into two types: Love and Rayleigh waves. Love waves move in a horizontal, side-to-side motion, similar to a snake's movement. In contrast, Rayleigh waves create a rolling motion, like ocean waves.
When an earthquake occurs, it generates two types of seismic waves: body and surface waves.
Body waves, which travel through the interior of the Earth, are mainly of two types: primary waves, or P-waves, and secondary waves, or S-waves.
P-waves are the fastest type of seismic wave and the first to be detected by a seismometer, which is why they are known as primary waves. As they travel, P-waves compress and expand rocks. However, the material returns to its original size and shape after the wave passes, making P-waves less destructive than other seismic waves.
S-waves travel slower and arrive after P-waves, earning them the name secondary waves.
These waves move up and down, altering the shape of the rocks they pass through. Due to this movement, S-waves can cause more structural damage than P-waves.
Surface waves move along the ground and are categorized into two types: Love and Rayleigh waves. Love waves move in a horizontal, side-to-side motion, similar to a snake's movement. In contrast, Rayleigh waves create a rolling motion, like ocean waves.
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