Which seismic waves are the most destructive?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the types of seismic waves and their destructiveness during an earthquake. It seeks to identify which seismic waves cause the most damage to structures and the Earth's surface.
Answer
surface waves
The final answer is surface waves
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is surface waves
More Information
Surface waves are primarily responsible for the destruction seen during earthquakes because they move along the Earth's surface, affecting buildings and infrastructure directly.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing surface waves with body waves (P and S waves). While P and S waves travel through the Earth and may cause damage, surface waves are generally the most destructive due to their movement along the surface.
Sources
- The web page with info on - Example Source - toppr.com
- Earthquake | Seismic waves as body waves and surface waves - sms-tsunami-warning.com
- What are the different types of seismic waves? - Geometrics - geometrics.com
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