Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

Which seismic wave is responsible for the shaking felt on the surface?

1. P-waves

2. Surface waves

3. S-waves

4. T-waves

The correct answer is: Surface waves

Surface waves are responsible for the shaking felt on the surface during an earthquake. These waves travel along the Earth's exterior and are typically slower than P-waves and S-waves, but they carry more energy and can produce significant ground movement. When an earthquake occurs, the energy from seismic waves radiates outward from the focus, with surface waves causing the most intense shaking and damage. They often manifest as rolling or swaying motions, which can lead to the most noticeable effects people feel and observe during seismic events. In contrast, P-waves are compression waves that travel through the Earth’s interior and arrive first, creating less surface shaking. S-waves, or shear waves, follow and do cause some surface shaking, but it is the surface waves that have the most dramatic effect at the ground level. T-waves, or torsional waves, are not typically discussed in the context of seismic events like earthquakes.