Multiple choice

Which of the following earthquake waves is the most destructive?

  1. Primary wave

  2. Secondary wave

  3. Rayleigh wave

  4. Love wave

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

There are two types of seismic waves, body waves and surface waves. Body waves (p-waves and s-waves) travel through the interior of the Earth. Surface waves travel along the Earth's surface. They travel slower than body waves. Because of their low frequency, long duration and large amplitude, they can be the most destructive type of seismic wave. There are two types of surface waves: Rayleigh waves and Love waves. Out of these two waves, love waves are more destructive.