Asked by ouefu3
what are two types of seismic waves
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Two common types are P-waves and S-waves.
- P-waves (primary or compressional): fastest seismic waves; particle motion is back-and-forth along the direction of travel (longitudinal). They travel through solids, liquids, and gases and arrive first at seismic stations.
- S-waves (secondary or shear): slower than P-waves; particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of travel (transverse). They only travel through solids and typically cause stronger ground shaking.
(The time difference between P- and S-wave arrivals is used to locate an earthquake’s epicenter.)
- P-waves (primary or compressional): fastest seismic waves; particle motion is back-and-forth along the direction of travel (longitudinal). They travel through solids, liquids, and gases and arrive first at seismic stations.
- S-waves (secondary or shear): slower than P-waves; particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of travel (transverse). They only travel through solids and typically cause stronger ground shaking.
(The time difference between P- and S-wave arrivals is used to locate an earthquake’s epicenter.)
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