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.

Test your knowledge about seismic waves and earthquakes with this quiz. Learn about the different types of earthquake waves and their characteristics.