GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Seismic Waves

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Waves Waves in air, fluids and solids

Seismic Waves

2:59 Applications of Mechanical Waves
Spec 4.6.1.5
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  • Seismic waves are produced by earthquakes and travel through the earth.
  • Seismic refers to anything related to earthquakes or vibrations in the earth.
  • Earthquakes are caused by shifts in tectonic plates, resulting in tremors that damage buildings and the ground.
  • Seismic waves carry large amounts of kinetic energy, causing buildings and the ground to shake and potentially be damaged.
  • There are two types of seismic waves produced in an earthquake: P waves and S waves.
  • P waves (primary waves) are longitudinal seismic waves that usually reach us first.
  • P waves have different speeds in solid and liquid rock and slow down when crossing from solid to liquid.
  • S waves (secondary waves) are transverse seismic waves that reach us after P waves.
  • S waves cannot travel through liquids and are either absorbed or reflected at the boundary between solid and liquid rock.
  • It is important to differentiate between P waves and S waves and identify them correctly.

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