What is a Seismic Wave?
A seismic wave is an energy wave that travels through the Earth, caused by geological events such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, or human-induced activities like explosions. These waves are essential for understanding the Earth's internal structure and dynamics.
Seismic waves are categorized into two primary types: body waves and surface waves. Body waves can travel through the Earth's interior and are further divided into P-waves (primary waves) and S-waves (secondary waves). P-waves are compressional waves that move faster and can travel through solids and liquids, while S-waves are shear waves that can only move through solids, making them slower than P-waves.
Surface waves travel along the Earth's surface and typically cause the most damage during an earthquake. They are slower than body waves and are divided into Love waves and Rayleigh waves. Love waves move horizontally, while Rayleigh waves create an elliptical movement.
Scientists use seismographs to measure seismic waves, allowing them to determine the location, depth, and magnitude of earthquakes. This information is crucial for earthquake engineering, hazard assessment, and improving community preparedness against seismic events.