Earth's liquid and solid layers were discovered by studying the propagation of seismic waves through Earth's interior. P-waves ________; S-waves ________.
A)compress and expand the rock as they move through it; vibrate the particles of their medium up and down and side-to-side
B)can travel through solid granite, magma, water, or air; can travel only through solids-not in fluids
C)are the fastest of all seismic waves and the first to register on a seismograph; are the second to register on a seismograph
D)all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Each statement accurately describes characteristics of P-waves and S-waves. P-waves compress and expand the material they move through, can travel through all states of matter, and are the fastest seismic waves, thus the first to be detected. S-waves move the material up and down or side-to-side, can only travel through solids, and are slower, registering after P-waves on seismographs.

Earth's Liquid and Solid Layers Were Discovered by Studying the Propagation