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In physics, a surface wave is a mechanical wave that propagates along the interface between differing media. A common example is gravity waves along the surface of liquids, such as ocean waves. Gravity waves can also occur within liquids, at the interface between two fluids with different densities.
Surface waves travel more slowly through Earth material at the planet’s surface and are predominantly lower frequency than body waves. They are easily distinguished on a seismogram. Shallow earthquakes produce stronger surface waves; the strength of the surface waves are reduced in deeper earthquakes. Surface waves arrive after the body waves.
Surface Wave Definition. A surface wave is typically a mechanical wave that can occur along the boundary of any two media, or substances. Most commonly, scientists use the term "surface...
Surface waves are similar to a transverse wave but travel along the boundary between the Earth’s surface and air, i.e., through the crust. They have a lower frequency than body waves. They can be easily distinguished and are responsible for the damage and destruction caused by earthquakes.
Surface waves are elastic waves which propagate along the surface of the earth and whose energy decays exponentially with depth. Surface waves contain most of the long period energy (periods greater than 20 s) generated by earthquakes and recorded at teleseismic distances.
Seismic wave, vibration generated by an earthquake, explosion, or similar energetic source and propagated within the Earth or along its surface. Earthquakes generate four principal types of elastic waves; two, known as body waves, travel within the Earth, whereas the other two, called surface.
Seismic waves fall into two general categories: body waves, which travel through the interior of the earth, and surface waves, which travel only at the earth’s surface.