- A series of shock waves generated at a point (the focus) within the Earth”s crust or mantle
- The point on the surface of the Earth above the focus is called the epicenter
- Three main types of wave motion are generated by an earthquake: P-Waves; S-Waves; dan L-Waves
P-Waves
•High-frequency
•Short-wavelength
•Longitudinal waves
•Can be reflected and refracted Travel through the solid and the liquid part of the Earth
S-Waves
•High-frequency
•Short-wavelength
•Transverse waves
•Can be reflected and refracted
•Travel through the solid part of the Earth at varying velocities.
•Propagated in all directions from the focus
L-Waves
•Low-frequency
•Long-wavelength
•Transverse vibrations
•Confined to the outer skin of the crust
•Responsible for most of the destructive force of earthquake
Seismic Wave Types
Body Waves
- Primary or Compressional
- Secondary or Shear
Surface Waves
- Rayleigh (large vertical displacements)
- Love (shear)
