Shear Waves

Shear waves are a type of seismic wave that travels through the Earth during earthquakes. Unlike primary (P) waves that move through both solids and liquids, shear waves move only through solids by causing the particles to shake side-to-side or up-and-down perpendicular to the wave's direction. This movement creates a shearing action within the material. Shear waves are slower than P-waves and are responsible for much of the shaking felt during an earthquake. They help scientists study the Earth's interior because they can't travel through liquids, revealing the presence of molten layers beneath the surface.