Seismic Waves

When rocks move

along a fault, energy is
released, it is released
in the form of seismic
waves.
Seismic waves travel
through Earths layers
as a result of an
earthquake.
Seismic waves are
detected and recorded
by an instrument

Types of Seismic Waves

P Waves
Body Wave

S Waves
Body Wave

Surface
Waves

FASTEST: Primary
Waves they arrive
1st

SECOND FASTEST:
Secondary Waves
they arrive 2nd

SLOWEST waves

Speeds 1-14 km/sec

Speeds 1-8 km/sec

Speeds 1-5 km/sec

Compression Waves
push-pull waves
(squeeze and stretch
rock)

Shear Waves move

material back and
forth (perpendicular
to direction of wave)

Move like an S wave

or move the ground in
a rolling motion

Can travel through

SOLIDS and LIQUIDS

CANNOT TRAVEL
THROUGH LIQUIDS

ONLY TRAVEL
THROUGH THE CRUST

Travel through ALL

layers of the Earth

Helped scientists
conclude that the
Earth has a liquid
outer core

Cause the most

damage (landslides,
tsunamis, etc.)