Seismic Waves Practice

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the Earth, typically as a result of tectonic movements or earthquakes.

Front

What are the two main types of seismic waves?

Back

The two main types of seismic waves are body waves (which include primary and secondary waves) and surface waves.

Front

What is a Primary Wave (P-Wave)?

Back

A Primary Wave (P-Wave) is a type of body wave that travels fastest through the Earth and can move through solids, liquids, and gases.

Front

What is a Secondary Wave (S-Wave)?

Back

A Secondary Wave (S-Wave) is a type of body wave that is slower than P-Waves and can only travel through solids.

Front

Which type of body wave is the most destructive?

Back

The Secondary Wave (S-Wave) is considered the most destructive type of body wave.

Front

What are Surface Waves?

Back

Surface Waves are seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface and typically cause the most damage during an earthquake.

Front

What is a Divergent Plate Boundary?

Back

A Divergent Plate Boundary is where two tectonic plates move apart from each other, often creating new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is a Convergent Plate Boundary?

Back

A Convergent Plate Boundary is where two tectonic plates collide or move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath another.

Front

What is a Transform Plate Boundary?

Back

A Transform Plate Boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What type of seismic wave can travel through only the mantle and the crust?

Back

Secondary waves can travel through only the mantle and the crust.