Compare the relative speeds of primary and secondary seismic waves, and relate speeds of travel to the medium in which the waves travel

What will be an ideal response?


The speed of a wave depends on the type of material it travels through. P-waves (primary waves) are the fastest seismic waves and travel through all mediums: air, solids, and fluids. The denser the material, the faster the movement. S-waves (secondary waves) are slower and can only travel through solids.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

You might also like to view...

Which of these four numbered features on the surface or in a cave are formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate, due to the evaporation of water?



A) 1 and 2
B) 2 and 3
C) 3 and 4
D) 1 and 3
E) 1 and 4

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Hso4- + h2o ? h2so4 + ho-

What will be an ideal response?

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The land separating adjoining valleys is known a(n) _____.

a - gulley b - levee c - interfluve d - valley side e - rill

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

______ is a measure of the particle size a stream can transport.

a - competence b - equilibrium c - capacity d - gradient e - force

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences