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How do seismic waves travel through the Earth's crust?

Candice Brom

Seismic waves are like sound waves, but they travel through the Earth's crust instead of air. There are three types of seismic waves: P-waves, S-waves, and surface waves.

P-waves, also known as primary waves, are like sound waves that move back and forth. They travel through the Earth's crust very quickly, at about 6 kilometers per second. P-waves can also travel through liquids and solids.

S-waves, or secondary waves, are like waves in the ocean that move up and down. They travel through the Earth's crust at about 3.5 kilometers per second. S-waves can only travel through solids, not through liquids or gases.

Surface waves are the slowest seismic waves and travel along the surface of the Earth's crust. They are caused by the movement of P-waves and S-waves. Surface waves move in a rolling motion, like the waves on the ocean.

When an earthquake happens, it produces seismic waves that travel through the Earth's crust. These waves can be detected by seismographs, which record the movements of the ground. Scientists use this information to study earthquakes and learn more about the Earth's structure and composition.

In summary, seismic waves are like sound waves that travel through the Earth's crust during earthquakes. There are three types of seismic waves: P-waves, S-waves, and surface waves. They travel at different speeds and through different materials.