Seismic Waves

What are seismic waves?

• Waves caused by ocean currents

• Waves generated by volcanic eruptions

• Waves of energy that travel through the Earth due to the release of stress

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which of the following is NOT a primary type of seismic wave?

• P-waves

• L-waves

• S-waves

Which seismic wave(s) can travel through both solid and liquid materials?

• P-waves

• S-waves

• Both P and S - waves

• Neither P and S - waves

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What is the primary difference between P-waves and S-waves?

• P-waves travel faster than S-waves.

• P-waves are surface waves, while S-waves are body waves.

• P-waves move in a back-and-forth motion, while S-waves move in a side-to-side motion.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which type of seismic wave arrives at a seismograph station first after an earthquake?

• P-waves

• S-waves

How do seismic waves help scientists study the Earth's interior?

• They cause earthquakes.

• They carry information about the Earth's composition and structure.

• They create volcanic eruptions.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

Which instrument is used to detect and record seismic waves?

• Geiger counter

• Seismograph

• Telescope

If an earthquake occurs on the other side of the world, which type of seismic wave(s) would you expect to arrive at your location first?

• P-waves

• S-waves

• Both P-waves and S-waves simultaneously