Multiple choice

With reference to earthquakes, which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. L waves travel along the surface of the earth's crust.

  2. As the P waves propagate, they move material in a path parallel to the direction of movement.

  3. S waves move objects at right angles to their direction of motion.

  4. S waves propagate through even liquid material.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

S waves (secondary or shear waves) are transverse waves that can only propagate through solid materials. They cannot travel through liquid, which is why they are blocked by the Earth's liquid outer core.

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