Question

how are s waves and surface waves similar?
both arrive after p waves.
both compress the ground
both travel through liquids.
both produce minimal ground motion.

Explanation:

In seismology, P waves (primary waves) are the fastest seismic waves. S waves (secondary waves) and surface waves are slower than P waves. So, both S waves and surface waves arrive after P waves.

• Option B: S waves are shear waves (they move particles perpendicular to the wave direction) and do not compress the ground like P waves (which are compressional waves). Surface waves also do not compress the ground in the same way as P waves.
• Option C: S waves cannot travel through liquids (because liquids do not support shear forces well), while surface waves are waves that travel along the surface (not through the interior of liquids in the same sense as body - waves like P and S waves).
• Option D: Surface waves can cause significant ground motion (e.g., Love waves and Rayleigh waves cause side - to - side and rolling motions respectively), and S waves also cause noticeable ground motion (perpendicular to the wave direction).

Answer:

A. Both arrive after P waves.