P and S Waves
P and S waves are seismic waves.
- P waves are primary waves. They are the fastest kind of seismic waves. They can move through solid rock and liquid rocks. They are also called compressional waves because they push and pull as they move.
- S waves are secondary waves. They are the waves that are felt in an earth quake. It can only travel through a solid rock. They are slower P Waves.
Richter Scale
The Richter scale measures the amount of energy released by an earthquake. Each number in the scale is ten times stronger then the one before it. The earthquakes with a higher magnitude occur less frequently.
Mercalli Scale
The Mercalli scale measures the physical damage done by the earthquake. The higher up on the scale, the more damage caused.