Seismic Sort

Reading SelectionSeismic Waves Vibrations from an earthquake are categorized as P or S waves. They travel through the Earth in different ways and at different speeds.A waveis a vibration that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter (solid, liquid or gas). Light and sound both travel in this way.There are two major types of seismic waves. Body waves (p-waves and s-waves)travel through the Earth's interior.Surface waves (L-waves)travel along the ground surface. In an earthquake, body waves are responsible for the sharp jolts. Surface waves are responsible for the rolling motions that do most of the damage in an earthquake. Body Waves P-waves (P stands for primary) arrive at the seismometer detector first. They are longitudinal waves which mean the vibrations are along the same direction as the direction of travel. Other examples of longitudinal waves include sound waves and waves in a stretched spring. These waves move in a "push-pull" movement.S-waves (S stands for secondary) arrive at the detector of a seismometer second. They are transverse waves which mean the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of travel. Other examples of transverse waves include light waves and water waves. These waves move in a "shake" movement.P-Waves and S-waves can be detected near the earthquake center but only P-waves can be detected on the other side of the Earth. This is because P-waves can travel through solids and liquids whereasS-waves can only travel through solids. This means the liquid part of the core blocks the passage of S-waves. Surface Waves Surface waves travel along the ground outward from an earthquake's epicenter. Surface waves are the slowest of all seismic waves. Surface waves cause objects to rise and fall. They also cause objects to sway back and forth. These motions cause damage to rigid structures during an earthquake. Surface waves are the most destructive seismic wave. Sort the different characteristics into groups. Use the reading sections above to help you!! Primary Waves (P) arrives at the seismograph first push-pull body wave that travels through both solids and liquids longitudinal waves Secondary Waves (S) arrives at the seismograph detector second transverse waves body wave that can only travel through solids shakes Surface Waves (L) slowest seismic wave most destructive seismic wave travels outward along the ground away from the epicenter