Rayleighvågor

Rayleigh waves, also known as surface waves, are a type of seismic wave that travels along the surface of the Earth. They are generated by earthquakes and are responsible for much of the shaking and damage experienced during such events. Unlike body waves, which travel through the Earth's interior, Rayleigh waves have a retrograde elliptical motion, meaning that particles on the surface move in a circular path that is inclined backward relative to the direction of wave propagation. This motion causes both horizontal and vertical displacement of the ground.

Rayleigh waves are typically slower than body waves, such as P-waves and S-waves, but they have larger amplitudes. Their energy diminishes with depth, with most of the motion confined to the shallowest layers of the Earth's crust. The speed of Rayleigh waves depends on the elastic properties and density of the material through which they are traveling. In general, they travel at approximately 90% of the speed of S-waves.

Due to their surface-traveling nature and larger amplitudes, Rayleigh waves are a primary cause of ground shaking and destruction during earthquakes. They can induce significant horizontal and vertical accelerations, leading to the collapse of buildings and infrastructure. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of Rayleigh waves is crucial for seismologists in earthquake hazard assessment and the design of earthquake-resistant structures. Their propagation can be influenced by geological features, such as basins and canyons, which can amplify their effects.