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Waves

Earthquakes.

Earthquakes produce waves called seismic waves
(pronounced "size-mick waves").
These waves are measured by an instrument called
a seismograph or seismometer.

Three types of wave are produced by earthquakes.
One type of wave moves along the surface of the Earth
and can cause damage to buildings and pipelines
and can result in large numbers of casualties.

Other waves move through the Earth.
These are called P waves and S waves
and give information about the inside of the planet.

Earthquakes are caused by tectonic activity.

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Copyright © 2007 Dr. Colin France. All Rights Reserved.