Seismic Waves

Front

Seismic Waves

Back

Vibrations that travel through Earth carrying the energy released during an earthquake.

Front

P waves (Primary waves)

Back

Travel through liquids and solids, faster, arrive first.

Front

S waves (Secondary waves)

Back

Travel through solids only; slower waves.

Front

Shadow Zone

Back

An area on Earth's surface where no direct seismic waves from a particular earthquake can be detected.

Front

Reflection

Back

The bouncing back of a wave when it hits a surface through which it cannot pass.

Front

Refraction

Back

The bending of a wave as it enters a new medium at an angle.

Front

Amplitude

Back

Height of a wave.

Front

Focus

Back

The location where the earthquake begins.

Front

Richter scale

Back

A scale that rates an earthquake's magnitude based on the size of its seismic waves.

Front

Arrival time

Back

The time in which a P or S wave arrives at a seismic station.