Seismic Waves and Earthquakes Quiz

Seismic Waves

• Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the Earth as a result of an earthquake or other seismic event.

Body Waves

• Body waves are seismic waves that travel through the interior of the Earth.
• There are two types of body waves: P-waves and S-waves.

P-Waves

• P-waves are a type of body wave that can move quickly through solid rock, liquids, and the Earth.
• They are the fastest type of seismic wave and can travel through any type of material.

Animal Behavior

• Dogs may bark right before an earthquake hits due to their sensitivity to the subtle changes in their surroundings caused by the build-up of seismic energy.

S-Waves

• S-waves are a type of body wave that travel through the Earth, but only through solid rock, not liquid.
• As S-waves travel through the Earth, they cause the ground to move perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Surface Waves

• Love waves are a type of surface wave that causes the ground to move horizontally, parallel to the Earth's surface.
• The primary characteristic of Love waves is that they cause horizontal motion.

Rayleigh Waves

• Rayleigh waves are a type of surface wave that causes the ground to move in a rolling motion, with particles moving in a circular path.
• The primary characteristic of Rayleigh waves is that they cause elliptical motion.

Natural Occurrence

• Seismic waves naturally occur as a result of tectonic plate movement and other geological processes.

Earthquake Process

• When huge masses of rock pressed against each other fracture and 'slip', it causes an earthquake, which releases energy in the form of seismic waves.