What are S and P-waves in an earthquake?
P waves can travel through solids, liquids, and even gases. S waves shake the ground in a shearing, or crosswise, motion that is perpendicular to the direction of travel. These are the shake waves that move the ground up and down or from side to side.
Are S waves secondary waves?
The second type of body wave is the S wave or secondary wave, which is the second wave you feel in an earthquake. An S wave is slower than a P wave and can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.
Which set of waves are the S wave?
transverse waves
S-waves, also known as secondary waves, shear waves or shaking waves, are transverse waves that travel slower than P-waves. In this case, particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
What kind of waves are generated by an earthquake?
SEISMIC WAVES Two basic types of elastic waves or seismic waves are generated by an earthquake; these are body waves and surface waves. These waves cause shaking that is felt, and cause damage in various ways.
How are seismic waves different from body waves?
Seismic waves are like those ripples which can travel through the inside of the earth, as well as on the surface. Based on the medium they travel in, earthquake waves can be classified under two categories: Body waves are those waves which travel through the earth.
How are seismic waves like ripples in water?
When an earthquake occurs, it releases waves of energy, which are known as Seismic waves. It is like the ripples created in water if you throw a stone in it. Seismic waves are like those ripples which can travel through the inside of the earth, as well as on the surface.
Which is the most destructive type of seismic wave?
Surface waves are similar in nature to water waves and travel just under the Earth’s surface. They are typically generated when the source of the earthquake is close to the Earth’s surface. Although surface waves travel more slowly than S-waves, they can be much larger in amplitude and can be the most destructive type of seismic wave.