seismic waves?

Answer 1

Seismic waves are basically waves of energy caused by the sudden breaking of rock within the earth or even a massive explosion such as a volcano. They are the energy that travels through the earth and this energy will then get recorded on seismographs.

There are 3 types of waves, P waves, S waves and L waves. The first kind of seismic waves (P wave or primary waves). This is the fastest kind of seismic wave. P waves can move through solid rock and fluids. These waves push and pull the rock as it moves through just like sound waves push and pull the air. If you have ever heard a thunder and have also heard the windows rattle at the same time this is an example. The windows rattle because the sound waves were pushing and pulling on the window glass much like P waves push and pull on rock. Usually we only feel the bump and rattle of these waves.

The second type of seismic wave is the S wave or secondary wave, which is the second wave you feel in an earthquake. An S wave is slower than a P wave and can only move through solid rock. This wave moves rock up and down, or side-to-side.

These 2 types of waves are known a body waves, next come surface waves or L waves. L waves exist because of the Earth’s surface. They are largest at the surface and decrease in amplitude with depth. L waves are known only to move along the surface of the earth. There speeds are known to vary depending on the material, rock or soil that is forming at the surface.

Hope this helped you out a bit.

Answer 2

A seismic wave is a wave that travels through the Earth, most often as the result of a tectonic earthquake, sometimes from an explosion. Seismic waves are also continually excited by the pounding of ocean waves and the wind. Seismic waves are studied by seismologists, and measured by a seismograph, seismometer, or geophone. For seismic studies of oil reservoirs, hydrophones may give additional information.

You could get more information from the link below...

Answer 3

Seismic waves are mechanical waves traveling through the earth's lithoshpere and are primarily produced by plate movement or volcanic erruptions in events called earth quakes.

Answer 4

Waves caused by earthquakes.

Answer 5

seismic says it all
waves formed by earthquakes

Answer 6

you know..the waves..caused by an earthquake..

Answer 7

caused by earthquakes...cause earthquake in tectonic plates..

Answer 8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seismic_waves