The three main types of seismic waves are:
- Primary Waves (P-waves):
These are the fastest seismic waves and the first to be detected by seismographs. P-waves are compressional (longitudinal) waves that cause particles in the material to move back and forth in the same direction as the wave is traveling. They can travel through solids, liquids, and gases
- Secondary Waves (S-waves):
S-waves are slower than P-waves and arrive after them. They are shear (transverse) waves, causing particles to move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. S-waves can only travel through solids, not through liquids or gases
- Surface Waves:
These waves travel along the Earth's surface and are typically responsible for most of the damage during an earthquake. Surface waves are slower than both P-waves and S-waves and include two main types: Love waves and Rayleigh waves. Their motion is more complex, often causing rolling or side-to-side movement at the surface
In summary, the three types are P-waves, S-waves, and surface waves, each with distinct properties and effects during seismic events.
