Seismic Waves

The motion caused by earthquakes travels outward from the focus in the form of

• Electromagnetic waves
• Seismic waves
• Gravity waves
• Chemical energy

The focus of an earthquake is

• The point (below Earth's surface) where rocks first begin to break and the first movement occurs
• The closest seismic station
• The place where the greatest damage occurs
• A fault

P and S waves travel through the earth, and so are called

• surface waves
• body waves
• tsunamis
• earth waves

L and R waves travel over the surface of the earth.  They are called

• surface waves
• body waves
• tsunamis
• Earth waves

What does P in a P wave stand for?

• period
• parallel
• primary
• partial

What does S in an S wave stand for?

• super
• secondary
• slow
• sideways

Which travels fastest, always being the first detected by seismic stations?

• P waves
• S waves

Which kind of wave arrives at seismic stations second?

• P (primary)
• S (secondary)
• L (love)
• R (rayleigh)

Which type of waves travel faster?

• Body waves (P and S waves)
• Surface waves (L and R waves)

Which kind of waves usually do the most damage in an earthquake?

• Body waves (P and S waves)
• Surface waves (L and R waves)