How does an earthquake damage the land? With waves of energy. On the
Origins page you learn where the energy
of an earthquake is released. That energy quickly travels away from
the focus in all directions. Look below to examine three of these
waves and how they shake the land.
1. P-Wave
Also known as the primary wave, a p-wave is the fastest of all the
earthquake waves. Since they are the fastest, p-waves are the first
waves to be felt in an earthquake. As these waves travel through the
Earth's crust, they shake the ground horizontally.
Click here to see a p-wave in action: PBS.org
2. S-Wave
Also reffered to as the secondary wave, s-waves arrive after the
p-waves. They shake the earth up and down as well as side to side.
Click here to see an s-wave in action: PBS.org
3. Surface Wave
Sometimes reffered to as a Raliegh wave. These waves are the slowest,
but they cause the most destruction in an earthquake. These waves
shake the earth in a rolling motion, much like at wave in the ocean.
Click here to see a surface wave in action: PBS.org
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