Question
What are the effects of propagation of earthquake waves on the rock mass through which they travel ?
Solution
The earthquake waves affect the rock mass through which they travel. Propagation of earthquake waves is not similar.
(i)P waves exert pressure on the material in the direction of the propagation. Consequently, it creates density differences in the material. Other waves vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the propagation.
(ii)The direction of vibration of S wave is perpendicular to the wave direction in the vertical plane. They create troughs and crests in the material through which they pass.
(iii)The surface waves or L-waves are the most dangerous waves and vibrate in perpendicular direction to the surface in horizontal plane.
This causes displacements of the rock mass and collapse of structures.
(i)P waves exert pressure on the material in the direction of the propagation. Consequently, it creates density differences in the material. Other waves vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the propagation.
(ii)The direction of vibration of S wave is perpendicular to the wave direction in the vertical plane. They create troughs and crests in the material through which they pass.
(iii)The surface waves or L-waves are the most dangerous waves and vibrate in perpendicular direction to the surface in horizontal plane.
This causes displacements of the rock mass and collapse of structures.
