Earthquake waves
There are three main types of earthquake waves.
- primary or p-waves they are the fastest and can pass through solids liquids and gases
-secondary or s-waves more slowly than p-waves and can pass only through solids
-surface waves are the slowest yet do the most damage
- primary or p-waves they are the fastest and can pass through solids liquids and gases
-secondary or s-waves more slowly than p-waves and can pass only through solids
-surface waves are the slowest yet do the most damage
The Cause
The tectonic plates rub together causing an earthquake.
Seismograph
Scientist use a seismograph to measure earthquakes. The seismograph must be firmly attached to the bedrock. The bedrock is a solid layer beneath the soil and loose rock.
Richter scale
The Richter scale is use to measure the magnitude of the earthquake. The amount of energy released increases greatly as the numbers increase.