S-wave (Secondary wave)

S-waves, or secondary waves, are a type of seismic wave generated by earthquakes. They travel through the Earth's interior, moving in a side-to-side or up-and-down motion perpendicular to the wave’s direction. Unlike P-waves (primary waves), S-waves cannot travel through liquids, which is why they stop at the Earth's outer core. This motion causes the ground to shake, contributing to earthquake destruction. S-waves typically arrive after P-waves during seismic events and are faster than surface waves. Their behavior helps scientists understand Earth's interior structure and assess earthquake risks.