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CDS 2025 · PYQ · Geomorphology / Earthquake Waves · medium

Consider the following statements with reference to Secondary waves (S-Waves) generated during an earthquake : 1. They create troughs and crests in the material through which they pass. 2. The direction of vibrations of S-waves is perpendicular to the wave direction in the vertical plane. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only✓ Correct
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

S-waves (Secondary or shear waves) are transverse waves in which particle vibration is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The crest-and-trough pattern is the characteristic of transverse waves, but in seismology this description is more commonly associated with surface waves (like Love and Rayleigh waves) that create wave-like deformation on the surface. S-waves vibrate the material perpendicular to the direction of propagation in the vertical plane, which is correctly captured in statement 2. Statement 1 is incorrect because the trough/crest description applies to surface waves, not body S-waves which cause shearing motion. Therefore only statement 2 is correct.
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