Earth and the Environment

What are earthquake waves?

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There are several types of earthquake waves including P, or primary, waves, which are compressional and travel fastest; and S, or secondary, waves, which are transverse, i.e., they cause the earth to vibrate perpendicularly to the direction of their motion. Surface waves consist of several major types and are called L, or long, waves.

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Similar questions: What are the names of earthquake waves? What are P waves? What are S waves? What are L waves? Which earthquake waves are transverse? [ Hide these questions ]

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