body wave
Quick Summary
Body waves are seismic waves that travel through the Earth's interior. The two main types are P (primary) waves and S (secondary) waves.12
P waves are longitudinal waves, meaning particles vibrate parallel to the wave's direction of travel. They are the fastest seismic waves and can pass through solids and liquids.12
S waves are transverse waves, where particles vibrate perpendicular to the wave's direction of travel. They are slower than P waves and can only travel through solid material.12
Seismologists use the travel times and characteristics of these body waves, recorded by seismographs, to study the Earth's deep structure and composition.32
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- seismic wave
…elastic waves; two, known as body waves, travel within the Earth, whereas the other two, called surface waves, travel along its surface. Seismographs record the amplitude and frequency of seismic waves and yield information about the Earth and its subsurface structure. Artificially generated seismic waves recorded during seismic surveys are…
Read More…elastic waves; two, known as body waves, travel within the Earth, whereas the other two, called surface waves, travel along its surface. Seismographs record the amplitude and frequency of seismic waves and yield information about the Earth and its subsurface structure. Artificially generated seismic waves recorded during seismic surveys are…
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earthquakePrincipal types of seismic wavesThe slower type of body wave, the S wave, travels only through solid material. With S waves, the particle motion is transverse to the direction of travel and involves a shearing of the transmitting rock.
Read MoreThe slower type of body wave, the S wave, travels only through solid material. With S waves, the particle motion is transverse to the direction of travel and involves a shearing of the transmitting rock.
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