Earthquake Waves

Front

What are Primary waves (P-waves)?

Back

P-waves are seismic waves that compress and expand the material they travel through, moving rock particles back and forth parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Front

How do rock particles move during the passage of a Primary wave (P-waves)?

Back

Rock particles move back and forth parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Front

What is the sequence of wave arrivals during an earthquake?

Back

The correct sequence is P waves → S waves → Surface waves.

Front

What type of waves are P waves classified as?

Back

P waves are classified as body waves.

Front

What is the main characteristic of body waves?

Back

Body waves travel through the interior layers of the Earth.

Front

Which seismic waves arrive first at a seismic station?

Back

P waves arrive first because they travel faster than S waves.

Front

What is the difference in velocity between P waves and S waves?

Back

P waves have a greater velocity than S waves.

Front

What type of motion do S waves create in the ground?

Back

S waves create a side-to-side motion, moving rock particles back and forth perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

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

Why do P waves travel faster than S waves?

Back

P waves travel faster because they can move through both solids and liquids, while S waves can only move through solids.