Question

How many types of waves are generated by an earthquake? Name them.

Answer 1

There are three types of waves generated by an earthquake: primary (P) waves, secondary (S) waves, and surface (L) waves. P and S waves are called body waves as they travel inside the earth, while L waves travel on the earth’s surface and are the most destructive. P waves involve compressions and expansions, S waves involve side-to-side motion, and L waves move particles in circular paths on the surface.