Seismic Waves Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which type of wave is characterized by compressional motion and can travel through all states of matter?

  • Love waves
  • P-waves (correct)
  • Rayleigh waves
  • S-waves

What distinguishes S-waves from P-waves in terms of their ability to travel through different states of matter?

  • S-waves are faster than P-waves and can travel through liquids.
  • Both S-waves and P-waves can travel through all states of matter.
  • S-waves can only travel through solids, while P-waves can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. (correct)
  • S-waves are more destructive but can only travel through gases.

Which type of surface wave is known for its horizontal shearing effect and is particularly damaging to structures?

  • Love waves (correct)
  • S-waves
  • P-waves
  • Rayleigh waves

In terms of speed, how do Rayleigh waves compare to other types of seismic waves?

<p>They are the slowest seismic waves. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of motion does a Rayleigh wave exhibit?

<p>A rolling motion with vertical and horizontal displacement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Rayleigh waves is accurate?

<p>Rayleigh waves exhibit a rolling motion similar to a boat on ocean waves. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes P-waves from S-waves?

<p>P-waves arrive first at seismograph stations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which wave type is primarily responsible for the most severe ground shaking during an earthquake?

<p>Rayleigh waves (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of motion is associated with Love waves?

<p>Horizontal shearing motion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Regarding wave speed, which statement is true?

<p>P-waves are the fastest and travel through all states of matter. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Seismic Waves

  • Seismic waves are generated by earthquakes and travel through the Earth.
  • Two main types: Body waves and Surface waves.

Body Waves

  • P-waves:
    • Fastest seismic waves.
    • Travel through solids, liquids, and gases.
    • Compressional motion: particles move in the same direction as the wave.
    • Less damaging than other waves due to less ground motion.
  • S-waves:
    • Slower than P-waves.
    • Travel only through solids.
    • Shear motion: particles move perpendicular to the direction of the wave.
    • More destructive than P-waves, causing stronger ground motion.

Surface Waves

  • Travel along Earth's surface.

  • Typically responsible for the most earthquake damage.

  • Love Waves:

    • Horizontal shearing motion, moving the ground side-to-side.
    • Faster than Rayleigh waves, but slower than body waves.
    • Particularly damaging to buildings due to their shearing effect.
  • Rayleigh Waves:

    • Similar to ocean waves, causing a rolling motion.
    • Move the ground both vertically and horizontally in an elliptical path.
    • Slowest seismic wave.
    • Can cause significant damage due to the rolling motion.

Earthquake Wave Arrival Order

  • Seismic waves arrive at seismographs in a specific order:
    • P-waves arrive first, providing early warning of an earthquake.
    • S-waves arrive second and cause more damage than P-waves due to higher energy.
    • Surface waves (Love and Rayleigh) are responsible for the most severe ground shaking and destruction.

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