Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

Which type of wave causes the most damage during an earthquake?

1. P waves

2. S waves

3. Surface waves

4. Body waves

The correct answer is: Surface waves

Surface waves are considered the most damaging type of waves during an earthquake primarily due to their characteristics and how they propagate. Unlike P waves (primary waves) and S waves (secondary waves), which travel through the interior of the Earth, surface waves remain closer to the Earth's surface. There are two main types of surface waves: Love waves and Rayleigh waves. These waves travel more slowly than P or S waves but have larger amplitudes and are responsible for most of the shaking felt during an earthquake. Their movement involves both horizontal and vertical ground displacement, leading to significant structural damage as buildings and infrastructure are more likely to experience lateral forces directly on their foundations. The intensity and duration of surface waves contribute to their destructive potential. While P waves can pass through any medium and S waves can only move through solids, neither causes as much surface shaking and structural stress as surface waves do. Therefore, in terms of damage, surface waves are the predominant cause during seismic events.