GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Because the amplitude of surface waves diminishes less rapidly with distance than the amplitude of P or S waves, surface waves are often the most important component of ground shaking far from the earthquake source, thus can be the most destructive.

Detailed explanation-2: -It is the surface waves which cause most property damage because surface waves produce more ground movement and travel more slowly, so they take longer to pass.

Detailed explanation-3: -Surface waves They are typically generated when the source of the earthquake is close to the Earth’s surface. Although surface waves travel more slowly than S-waves, they can be much larger in amplitude and can be the most destructive type of seismic wave.

Detailed explanation-4: -S waves arrive next and cause a structure to vibrate from side to side. They are the most damaging waves, because buildings are more easily damaged from horizontal motion than from vertical motion.

Detailed explanation-5: -Surface waves are generated by the interaction of the P-and S-waves with the surface and internal layers of the Earth. Surface waves cause the most destruction because they make the ground roll. They usually have the strongest vibrations which probably cause most of the damage done by earthquakes.