Did You Know? Earthquake Waves

Seismic waves, generated by earthquakes, are vibrations that travel through or along Earth's surface. They are categorized into body waves (P and S waves) and surface waves (Love and Rayleigh waves). P waves move quickly through various materials, while S waves are stronger and travel farther. Surface waves cause the most damage. Seismic waves occur when energy stored in Earth's crust is released, often due to rock fractures, leading to potential destruction.

What are the two main types of seismic waves generated by earthquakes?

• Love waves and Rayleigh waves

• Body waves and surface waves

• Horizontal waves and vertical waves

• Primary waves and secondary waves

Which type of body wave is known to move quickly through solid rock and liquids?

• P waves

• Love waves

• S waves

• Rayleigh waves

Why might animals, such as dogs, react before an earthquake occurs?

• They detect changes in air pressure

• They can hear the P waves

• They can sense the S waves

• They feel the ground shaking

Which surface wave is responsible for most of the ground movement felt during an earthquake?

• P waves

• S waves

• Love waves

• Rayleigh waves

What triggers the release of seismic waves during an earthquake?

• The eruption of a volcano

• The collision of oceanic and continental plates

• The sudden release of energy in Earth's crust

• The movement of tectonic plates