what are the three types of seismic waves?

The three main types of seismic waves are P waves , S waves , and surface waves.

P waves (Primary waves)

P waves are the fastest seismic waves and are the first to arrive at a seismic station.

They are compressional (longitudinal) waves, meaning particles in the rock move back and forth in the same direction the wave is traveling, and they can move through solids, liquids, and gases.

S waves (Secondary waves)

S waves arrive after P waves because they travel more slowly through the Earth.

They are shear (transverse) waves, so particles move perpendicular to the direction of travel, and they can only pass through solids, not liquids, which helps reveal the structure of Earth’s interior.

Surface waves

Surface waves travel along or just beneath Earth’s surface and usually have the largest amplitudes.

They move more slowly than P and S waves but tend to cause the most damage during earthquakes, and include Love and Rayleigh waves as important subtypes.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.