Seismic Waves Basics

Seismic Waves Overview

• Seismic waves are energy forms resulting from sudden rock breaking or explosions within the Earth.
• These waves propagate through the Earth and are recorded on seismographs.

Types of Seismic Waves

• Body Waves: Travel through Earth's inner layers.
• Surface Waves: Move along the Earth's surface, akin to water ripples.
• Earthquakes generate both body and surface waves.

Body Waves

• Body waves precede surface waves during seismic events.
• Characterized by higher frequencies compared to surface waves.
• Primary (P) Waves:
  • Fastest seismic waves, first to be detected at seismic stations.
  • Capable of moving through solid rock and fluids (e.g., water).
• Secondary (S) Waves:
  • Slower than P waves, arriving at seismic stations afterward.
  • Limited to traveling through solid rock; cannot pass through fluids.

Surface Waves

• Arrive at seismic stations after body waves and tend to be slower.
• Known for causing the most significant structural damage during earthquakes.
• Two main types of surface waves:
  • Love Waves:
    • Also referred to as shear-horizontal waves.
    • Oscillate side to side, similar to a snake's movement.
    • Can only propagate through solids.
  • Rayleigh Waves:
    • Known as ground roll.
    • Motion resembles ocean waves, creating a rolling effect.
    • Capable of traveling through both solids and liquids.

Seismic Waves Overview

• Seismic waves are energy forms resulting from sudden rock breaking or explosions within the Earth.
• These waves propagate through the Earth and are recorded on seismographs.

Types of Seismic Waves

• Body Waves: Travel through Earth's inner layers.
• Surface Waves: Move along the Earth's surface, akin to water ripples.
• Earthquakes generate both body and surface waves.

Body Waves

• Body waves precede surface waves during seismic events.
• Characterized by higher frequencies compared to surface waves.
• Primary (P) Waves:
  • Fastest seismic waves, first to be detected at seismic stations.
  • Capable of moving through solid rock and fluids (e.g., water).
• Secondary (S) Waves:
  • Slower than P waves, arriving at seismic stations afterward.
  • Limited to traveling through solid rock; cannot pass through fluids.

Surface Waves

• Arrive at seismic stations after body waves and tend to be slower.
• Known for causing the most significant structural damage during earthquakes.
• Two main types of surface waves:
  • Love Waves:
    • Also referred to as shear-horizontal waves.
    • Oscillate side to side, similar to a snake's movement.
    • Can only propagate through solids.
  • Rayleigh Waves:
    • Known as ground roll.
    • Motion resembles ocean waves, creating a rolling effect.
    • Capable of traveling through both solids and liquids.

Explore the basics of seismic waves, the energy generated by sudden rock breaks or explosions within the Earth. Learn about body waves, surface waves, and their significance in understanding earthquakes and the Earth's internal structure.