Types of seismic waves
1. Primary or Longitudinal Waves
2. Secondary or Traverse waves
3. Long or surface waves-Rayleigh waves and love waves
Primary Waves- (P-wave)- These waves propagates in longitudinal direction and capable to pass through solids, liquid and gases . These are fastest waves among all with speed of travel 8-13 km/s and hence reach first to recording station on ground . These waves gives push or pull or to and fro moment to particles of ground.
Secondary or Traverse waves (S-wave) – These waves moves in perpendicular direction to direction of propagation of waves . It passes through only solids . These waves has slow speed about 5 – 7 km/s . When secondary or shear waves moves horizontally during propagation, then it is known as SH waves. But when it moves in vertical plane, then it is SV waves.
Long waves (L-waves)-These waves travels along the surface or earths crust to pass through solids and liquids. These surface waves are slower with speed of 4-5 km/s confined to earth layers. These waves gives major destruction during earthquake . these waves are complex in nature having large amplitude.