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Describe the characteristics of P-waves, S-waves, Love waves and Rayleigh waves, and explain how they are similar and different.

User Jq Beginner
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1 Answer

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15 votes

Internal waves:

-P-waves: primary waves because they are the first to arrive at a seismograph. They are compressive-type waves and cross the planet via solid, gas, or liquid.

-S-waves: secondary waves. They are transversal-type and their vibration is perpendicular to their movement and propagation. They can't cross through the Earth's nucleus.

Superficial waves:

-L-waves: love waves. They travel above the Earth from side to side, as a result of the interference of multiple S-waves propagated on a superficial elastic layer.

-R-waves: Rayleigh waves, they're a superficial acoustic type of wave that travels along the surface of solids.

User Mangokun
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