Question

Identify the four types of seismic waves. How do each of these waves behave as they travel through the Earth?

Answer 1

Compressional or P (for primary) , Transverse or S (for secondary) , Love, and Rayleigh. Primary waves push and pull the ground in the direction the wave is traveling. Secondary waves travel in the same direction, but they shake the ground back and forth perpendicular to the direction the wave is traveling. Love waves move back and forth horizontally. Rayleigh waves cause both vertical and horizontal ground motion.