Question

What are the $3$ main types of seismic waves? How do they differ from each other?

Answer 1

Step 1 : Seismic wave :

1. It is the energy that travels through the different layers of earth when an earthquake , volcano or other explosion occurs.
2. .Seismic waves travel through different layers of earth.

Step 2 : Type of seismic wave :

(1) P wave :

1. P waves or the primary waves are first to arrive at the surface and travel though gaseous, liquid as well as solid material.
2. These waves lead to squeezing and stretching of the material it passes through as it vibrates parallel to the direction of the wave.

(2) S wave :

1. S waves or the secondary waves arrive after P waves and travel only through solid material.
2. These waves travel perpendicular to the direction of the wave and thus it crest and creates troughs in the material that it passes through.

(3) Surface wave :

1. Surface waves are created when the P and S waves interact with surface rocks.
2. Surface waves are last to reach the surface and are considered to be the one causing the most amount of damage.
3. Surface waves cause displacement of rocks.