i. Seismic waves come in different types
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Primary Waves (P-waves) |
P-waves are the fastest seismic waves and can travel through both solids and liquids. They cause a back-and-forth motion of the ground, similar to a coiled spring compressing and expanding. |
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Secondary Waves (S-waves) |
S-waves are slower than P-waves and can only travel through solids. They cause the ground to move up and down or side to side perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. |
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Surface Waves |
Surface waves are slower than P-waves and S-waves but are responsible for the most noticeable shaking at the Earth’s surface. They move along the Earth’s surface, producing a rolling or swaying motion that can cause the most damage during an earthquake. The severity of an earthquake is typically measured using the Richter scale or the moment magnitude scale (Mw), which quantifies the amount of energy released during an earthquake. |
Understanding the concept of earthquakes is crucial for assessing seismic hazards, designing earthquake-resistant structures, and implementing measures to mitigate the impacts of these natural disasters on human lives and infrastructure.