Seismic waves, caused by explosions, wind, or ocean waves, can cause serious damage. Seismology studies earthquakes and waves, and seismologists interpret the Earth’s composition and assess potential dangers. Body waves include P-waves and S-waves, while surface waves cause the most destruction. Seismologists use seismographs to measure waves and predict future events.
A seismic wave is a type of shock wave that vibrates through or under the surface of the Earth. These waves can be caused by a variety of things, including sudden explosions under the earth’s surface, wind, or strong and repetitive ocean waves. The damage caused by seismic waves can be serious.
The area of study relating to the monitoring and analysis of earthquakes and seismic waves is called seismology; a seismologist is a seismologist. These scientists interpret the geological composition and structures of the Earth. Seismologists can also assess the potential dangers of seismic waves and look for ways to minimize their impact. Typically, seismologists classify seismic waves into one of two types, body waves or surface waves.
Body waves flow through the inner parts of the Earth and can bend and retract depending on the substance through which they pass. A primary wave, or P-wave, is a type of seismic body wave that travels at great speed beneath the surface and is usually first recorded at the site of an earthquake. It can move through solids and liquids by compressing and expanding the material in its way.
A secondary wave, or S wave, is another type of body wave. This is a slower seismic wave that travels by pushing rock particles perpendicular to its path. An S wave, however, cannot pass through gases and fluids and travels only through solids. Since the outer layer of the Earth’s core is made up of molten liquid lava, waves have to bend over and around it to reach the earthquake site. Seismologists have timed and used this property of secondary waves to demonstrate the existence of the core itself.
In addition to body waves, there are surface waves. Surface waves are generally responsible for the greatest amount of destruction associated with earthquakes. This type of seismic wave moves only through the earth’s crust and is similar to a water wave. It often occurs when the earthquake source is close to the surface. It can shake the foundations of buildings and bring down very heavy structures. Surface waves are also divided into two subtypes: Rayleigh waves, which travel as ripples and can be detected by the human eye, and love waves, which divide the ground horizontally.
Seismologists attempt to determine the distance and source of an earthquake by measuring the difference in arrival times between primary and secondary waves. Measurements are typically taken by a device called a seismograph. The results are often stored in a computer and can be used to predict future events and possible damage within the active region.
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