Wave Theory in Geology: Types of Waves and Applications

Wave theory is a fundamental concept in ______ engineering, especially in understanding the behavior of materials under stress and seismic events.

Waves form on the ______ and lakes due to wind energy transfer to water.

The horizontal distance between two crests or two troughs is known as the ______ of a wave.

Seismic waves are caused by the sudden movement of materials within the ______, such as slip along a fault during an earthquake.

Body waves are of higher ______ than surface waves.

P-Wave or Primary Wave is the fastest kind of ______ wave.

P-Waves are also known as ______ waves because of the pushing and pulling they do.

The speed at which P-Wave travel through materials is determined by ______, among other factors.

S-waves are also known as ______ waves.

S-waves can travel only through ______, because only solids have rigidity.

The ______ wave is named for John William Strutt, Lord Rayleigh, who mathematically predicted the existence of this kind of wave in 1885.

Rayleigh waves are set off by the combined effect of P- and S-waves on the earth's ______.

Types of Seismic Waves

P-Waves (Primary Waves) are also known as compressional waves due to their pushing and pulling motion.
Particles move in the same direction as the wave and energy propagation.
P-Wave speed is determined by: rigidity, compressibility, and density of the material.
The more rigid, compressible, and dense the material, the faster the P-Waves.

S-Waves (Secondary Waves)

S-Waves are shear waves that move material sideways, flexing or deforming, and then returning to its original shape.
S-Waves can only travel through solids due to their need for rigidity.
Particles move up and down, or side-to-side, perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.
S-Wave speed is determined by: rigidity and density of the material.
The more rigid and dense the material, the faster the S-Waves.

Surface Waves

Surface waves travel along the surface rather than through the bulk of the medium.
They are responsible for the most significant damage during seismic events.
There are two types of surface waves: Rayleigh waves and Love waves.

Rayleigh Waves

Rayleigh waves are set off by the combined effect of P- and S-waves on the earth's surface.
They are sometimes called rolling waves, with the surface of the earth rising and sinking in crests and troughs.

Wave Theory

Wave theory is a fundamental concept in geology and civil engineering, especially in understanding material behavior under stress and seismic events.
Wave theory includes types of waves, factors influencing wave velocity, static and dynamic modulus of elasticity, and the application of grouting in geology.

Wave Parameters

Wavelength is the horizontal distance between two crests or two troughs.
Amplitude is the vertical distance between a trough and a crest.
Velocity is the speed at which wave crests move across the water.

Learn the basics of wave theory in geology, including types of waves, factors affecting wave velocity, and its application in civil engineering, particularly in understanding material behavior under stress and seismic events.