Seismic Waves

Generate outward from focus

P Waves

• Compress and expand ground• Travel fastest – first to arrive at seismic

reporting station• Travel through solids and liquids• Aka – primary waves

S waves

• Shake ground back and forth, vibrating from side to side

• Travel second fastest – second to arrive at seismic reporting stations

• Cannot travel through liquids – can only travel through solids

• Aka secondary waves

Surface waves

• Ground surface rolls with a wavelike (up and down) motion

• Move more slowly than either p-waves or s-waves - last to arrive at seismic stations

• Generally cause the most property damage