GEOG 2110L Lecture : EARTHQUAKES.docx
17 Mar 2014
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Document Summary
* a sharp release of energy resulting in a series of elastic waves propagated through the. Earth at the moment of rupture along a fault. The rupture is initiated where stress along the fault exceeds the elastic limit of the rock so that sudden movement occurs. * seismic waves: pulses of energy generated by an earthquake, that pass through the earth as shock waves. * transmission speed & direction can vary according to the t and density of the various layers within the planet. P wave (primary seismic wave): a type of seismic wave, propagated like a sound wave, in which the material involved in the wave motion is alternately compressed. * s wave (secondary or shear seismic wave): a seismic wave in which particles vibrate at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels. * a shear or shake" wave which moves material at right angles to its direction of movement; cannot pass through liquid material.
