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Kōrero: Earthquakes

Primary and secondary waves

The P-wave (primary or pressure wave) is a pulse of energy that travels quickly through the earth and through liquids. It forces the ground to move backwards and forwards as it is compressed and expanded. The S-wave (secondary or shear wave) follows more slowly, with a swaying, rolling motion that shakes the ground back and forth perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

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Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Eileen McSaveney, Earthquakes – What causes earthquakes?, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/video/4403/primary-and-secondary-waves (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Eileen McSaveney, i tāngia i te 2 March 2009, updated 1 August 2017.

Comments

Abhipri
26 February 2016
No the S wave cannot move through liquid like the P wave can.
Ana
15 October 2015
Can the S waves move through solids and liquids as well as the P waves?
albert
30 August 2015
thank you for showing us the primary and secondary waves and their characteristics!!