Seismic Waves

Seismic waves are the waves of energy as a result of an explosion, earthquake, and volcanic
eruptions. Seismologists monitor and track seismic waves as they travel through the Earth’s
interior.
As seismic waves travel, they are bent by the materials that make up the Earth. The bending
is similar to the refraction of light waves as they pass though a glass prism.
By studying the refraction of these waves, seismologists are able to learn about the layers
that make up the Earth.

From your previous lessons, you have learned that an earthquake is the shaking of the
ground as energy from the snapping of the Earth's crust is released. This energy is
transmitted in the form of waves.

Types of Seismic Waves

Seismic waves can be classified into three types: surface waves, P waves, and S waves.
 Surface waves are waves that travel across the surface of the Earth.
 P waves and S waves are considered as body waves. Body waves are waves that
penetrate the Earth's interior.
 The P waves and S waves travel through the Earth at different speeds. How fast the
seismic waves travel depends on the density of the medium. The travel times of the
waves are used to map changes in density with depth.