GEOLOGY

EARTH SCIENCE

EARTHQUAKES

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
The second waves to arrive at a certain location after an earthquake are the up and down
A
P waves
B
S waves
C
Surface waves
D
None of the above
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -S waves also called secondary waves and shear waves, are the second waves to hit the seismographs. They are transverse waves, which means that the motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Detailed explanation-2: -S waves are called secondary waves because they always arrive after P waves at seismic recording stations. Unlike P waves, S waves can travel only through solid materials.

Detailed explanation-3: -In P or compressional waves, the vibration of the rock is in the direction of propagation. P waves travel fastest and are the first to arrive from the earthquake. In S or shear waves, rock oscillates perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Detailed explanation-4: -Primary (P) and secondary (S) waves are two types of waves caused by earthquakes. They are defined based on when they arrive and are felt on the surface. P waves, or primary waves, arrive first while S waves, or secondary waves, arrive second.

Detailed explanation-5: -S waves, also called shear or transverse waves, cause points of solid media to move back and forth perpendicular to the direction of propagation; as the wave passes, the medium is sheared first in one direction and then in another.

There is 1 question to complete.