Science
Earthquake waves.
Definition
Earthquake waves (seismic waves) are energy waves generated by the sudden release of energy along faults. The three main types are P-waves (primary, compressional), S-waves (secondary, shear), and surface waves, each traveling at different speeds and through different materials.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 P-waves arrive first at seismograph stations because they travel fastest (through solids and liquids)
- 2 S-waves cannot pass through Earth's liquid outer core, which helped scientists discover it
- 3 Surface waves cause the most damage during an earthquake because they move the ground in rolling and side-to-side motions
Key Fact
P-waves travel ~6-8 km/s through crust; S-waves travel ~3.5-4.5 km/s; difference in arrival times helps locate the epicenter.