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P wave and S wave from seismograph Velocity of seismic waves in Earth versus depth. [1] The negligible S-wave velocity in the outer core occurs because it is liquid, while in the solid inner core the S-wave velocity is non-zero. A seismic wave is a mechanical wave of acoustic energy that travels through the Earth or another planetary body.
A P wave (primary wave or pressure wave) is one of the two main types of elastic body waves, called seismic waves in seismology. P waves travel faster than other seismic waves and hence are the first signal from an earthquake to arrive at any affected location or at a seismograph. P waves may be transmitted through gases, liquids, or solids.
An earthquake – also called a quake, tremor, or temblor – is the shaking of the Earth's surface resulting from a sudden release of energy in the lithosphere that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes can range in intensity, from those so weak they cannot be felt, to those violent enough to propel objects and people into the air, damage ...
Seismology (/ s aɪ z ˈ m ɒ l ə dʒ i, s aɪ s-/; from Ancient Greek σεισμός (seismós) meaning "earthquake" and -λογία (-logía) meaning "study of") is the scientific study of earthquakes (or generally, quakes) and the generation and propagation of elastic waves through planetary bodies.
The seismic velocity structure is instrumental in deciphering the propagation of seismic waves during earthquakes. It offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of seismic events, contributing to earthquake hazard assessment and the development of urban planning strategies to mitigate seismic risks.
The P wave is the first wave that is bigger than the other waves (the microseisms). Because P waves are the fastest seismic waves, they will usually be the first ones that the seismograph records. The next set of seismic waves on the seismogram will be the S waves. These are usually bigger than the P waves, and have higher frequency.
However, it is based on a simple model of rupture, and on certain simplifying assumptions; it does not account for the fact that the proportion of energy radiated as seismic waves varies among earthquakes. [51] Much of an earthquake's total energy as measured by M w is dissipated as friction (resulting in heating of the crust). [52]
Ground motion is typically caused by surface waves, which are the most destructive type of seismic waves. Ground motion is measured using a seismometer, a device that detects and records the movement of the Earth's surface. Seismometers are used by seismologists to study earthquakes and other types of ground motion.