Seismic Waves

Vocabulary flashcards on seismic waves, including P-waves, S-waves, surface waves, shadow zones, and Earth's interior composition.

Seismic Wave Types

The three types of seismic waves produced during an earthquake: P-waves, S-waves, and Surface waves.

P-waves

Seismic waves that squeeze and pull rocks in the same direction and can pass through or reflect through the inner core.

S-waves

Seismic waves that travel in two directions and cannot travel through liquid.

P-wave Shadow Zone

An area of Earth's surface between 103^\frac{1}{2}^\text{o} (or $103^\text{o}$) and $143^\text{o}$ away from an earthquake epicenter.

Evidence for Earth's Liquid Outer Core

The fact that S-waves completely stop if they reach the outer core.

Earth's Interior Composition

Inferred by scientists by looking at seismic wave data.