Why do earthquake waves travel in different types?
Quick Answer
Different waves move through Earth in different ways: P waves compress and expand material, while S waves shear it side to side. Surface waves travel along the outside and usually cause the strongest shaking.
The Full Story
Earthquake energy is released in multiple seismic wave types because the Earth is an elastic, layered body. P waves are primary waves that move fastest and can travel through solids and liquids. S waves are slower shear waves and cannot pass through liquid outer core material, which helped scientists infer Earth’s internal structure. Surface waves such as Love and Rayleigh waves move along the ground and often cause the most damaging shaking. Seismologists use the timing of these waves to locate quakes and study Earth’s interior.
Key Facts
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