The animations below illustrate both the propogation of the wave as well as the motion of particles as the wave passes. Wave characteristics and particle motions of these wave types can be easily illustrated using the seismic wave animations. Additional illustrations of p, s, rayleigh and love waves are contained in bolt (1993, p 22) and in shearer (1999, p Love waves are surface waves propagated from the epicentre They are produced when p and s waves reach the surface
Love waves move rock parallel to the surface of the earth (horizontally, from side to side) Love waves are slower than s waves but faster than rayleigh waves. Love waves are a type of seismic wave that plays a crucial role in understanding earthquakes and seismic activity In this article, we will explore the basics of love waves, their characteristics, and their significance in seismology. It turns out that the crashing of waves on the seafloor can send these vibrations through the earth This means love waves could even tell us about past storms and climate changes
The love wave (figure 4) is easy to demonstrate with a slinky or a double length slinky Stretch the slinky out on the floor or on a tabletop and have one person at each end hold on to the end of the slinky. Similar to rayleigh waves, love waves decay more slowly with an increasing distance along the surface direction than do body waves. To aid in seeing that the particle motion is purely horizontal, focus on the y axis (red line) as the wave propagates through it Material returns to its original shape after wave passes Animation by larry braile,purdue university.
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