Seismic waves

Seismic waves

The release of energy during an earthquake generates seismic waves that travel through the Earth. These waves cause the shaking felt during an earthquake. There are different types of seismic waves, including: 

• P-waves (Primary waves): These are compressional waves that are the fastest and first to be detected. 

• S-waves (Secondary waves): These are shear waves that arrive after the P-waves and are responsible for most of the shaking. 

• Surface waves: These travel along the Earth’s surface and usually cause the most damage.