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Surface waves stem from body waves(P and S waves) that reach the surface.

Because of their low frequency, long duration, and large amplitude, the Surface waves can be the most destructive type of seismic wave.

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11y ago
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11y ago

Because surface waves have a larger amplitude and thus more energy and so can cause more damage than P and S waves. they are more destructive because they are on the suface and because they are slowerRate This Answer

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Because surface waves have a larger amplitude and thus more energy and so can cause more damage than P and S waves.

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One type of s-wave causes rocking motion while the other creates rolling motion. the waves could cause one part of a building to go up while the other part go down.

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Surface waves cause the most damage because they travel above ground on the surface Vs. other waves that travel within the crust.

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9y ago

Surface waves damage buildings because of the sheer amount of force they direct onto them. Waves carry massive amounts of energy and can complete destroy most structures.

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they are more destructive because they are on the suface and because they are slower

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Q: Why are surface waves more destructive to building than p waves or s waves are?
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Why are surface waves the most destructive waves?

Surface waves travel more slowly than body waves but are mor distructive. Most of the damage during an earthquake comes from surface waves which can literally shake the ground out from under a building.


Why are surface waves more destructive to buildings than p waves are so s waves are?

Although surface waves travel more slowly than S-waves, they can be much larger in amplitude and can be the most destructive type of seismic wave. There are two basic kinds of surface waves: Rayleigh waves, also called ground roll, travel as ripples similar to those on the surface of water.


Why are Love waves and Rayleigh waves more destructive than P-waves and S-waves?

Love and Rayleigh waves are also known as surface waves as they travel along the surface of the earth. As the earth's surface is a free boundary, these surface waves have a larger amplitude than P and S (or body waves)which travel through the earth's interior. The amplitude of a wave is related to the amount of energy it has, where high amplitude waves have more energy! This means that the high amplitude high energy surface waves are capable of transferring more energy into structures or other objects on the surface and so can do more damage.


Which waves are more destructive p waves or s waves?

s waves I think because they move from side to side and they knock over buildings.


What waves are more dangerous in an earthquake?

surface waves are more dangerous than body waves with up and down movements.

Related questions

Why are surface waves more destructive to building than p waves or s waves?

they are more destructive because they are on the suface and because they are slower


Why are surface waves more destructive to building s than P waves or S waves are?

they are more destructive because they are on the suface and because they are slower


Why are surface waves more destructive to building p waves or s waves?

Because surface waves have a larger amplitude and thus more energy and so can cause more damage than P and S waves. they are more destructive because they are on the suface and because they are slowerRate This Answer


Which are more destructive body waves or surface waves?

Surface waves.


Why are surface waves the most destructive waves?

Surface waves travel more slowly than body waves but are mor distructive. Most of the damage during an earthquake comes from surface waves which can literally shake the ground out from under a building.


Why are surface waves more destructive to buildings than p waves are so s waves are?

Although surface waves travel more slowly than S-waves, they can be much larger in amplitude and can be the most destructive type of seismic wave. There are two basic kinds of surface waves: Rayleigh waves, also called ground roll, travel as ripples similar to those on the surface of water.


Why are Love waves and Rayleigh waves more destructive than P-waves and S-waves?

Love and Rayleigh waves are also known as surface waves as they travel along the surface of the earth. As the earth's surface is a free boundary, these surface waves have a larger amplitude than P and S (or body waves)which travel through the earth's interior. The amplitude of a wave is related to the amount of energy it has, where high amplitude waves have more energy! This means that the high amplitude high energy surface waves are capable of transferring more energy into structures or other objects on the surface and so can do more damage.


Which waves are more destructive p waves or s waves?

s waves I think because they move from side to side and they knock over buildings.


Is it true that surface waves move more quickly than p waves and s waves?

no, p waves are the fastest followed by s waves and finally surface waves


What types of waves carries the most energy?

Secondary seismic waves travel slower than primary waves but they are much more destructive. Thus it carries more energy.


Is it true that surface waves move more quickly than p and s waves?

no, p waves are the fastest followed by s waves and finally surface waves


How many surface waves are there?

There is Two types of surface waves :)