26.1. Seismic Wave Classification Recap

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the two main classifications of seismic waves?

   Hint

   Think about waves that travel through the Earth and those that travel along its surface.

2. 2.

   Do S-waves travel through fluids?

   Hint

   Consider the property of the S-wave motion.

3. 3.

   What type of seismic waves are S-waves?

   • Body waves
   • Surface waves
   • Rayleigh waves

   Hint

   Remember that S-waves move in a different medium than surface waves.

4. 4.

   True or False: Rayleigh waves can travel through fluids.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the properties of waves as they interact with different states of matter.

5. 5.

   Discuss the engineering implications of understanding S-waves and Rayleigh waves in urban seismic design.

   Hint

   Consider how local geology and soil types affect wave propagation.

6. 6.

   Analyze a hypothetical urban area with varying soil types and discuss how seismic wave behavior might differ in each.

   Hint

   Think about the relationship between soil type, wave amplitude, and types of structural failures.