ICSE Class 9 Answered
Into how many categories are the earthquake waves classified?
Discuss each of them.
Asked by Topperlearning User | 15 May, 2015, 06:54: AM
Expert Answer
- The waves of earthquakes are divided into three categories- Primary waves, Secondary waves and Long waves.
- These are:
- Primary Waves: These are also known as the P waves. These are compressional waves and can pass through gases, liquids and solids. These waves travel at a fast pace and their velocity increases as they pass through the mantle. These waves are the first to be recorded on a seismograph.
- Secondary Waves: Also known as the S waves, these waves travel through the interiors of the Earth. They can travel only through solids and not dense molten matter. They travel along curved paths only. They are recorded by a seismograph after the P waves.
- Long Waves: When P waves and S waves reach the surface of the earth, they are converted into Long waves. L waves are slow waves which travel along the surface of the earth. Their movement is both vertical and horizontal.
Answered by | 15 May, 2015, 08:54: AM
