Teravikud

Teravikud is a term used in Estonian to describe seismic waves generated by earthquakes. These waves travel through the Earth's interior and along its surface, carrying energy away from the earthquake's epicenter. Seismologists study teravikud to understand the Earth's structure, locate earthquakes, and measure their magnitude.

There are two main types of teravikud: body waves and surface waves. Body waves, known as P-waves (primary waves) and S-waves (secondary waves), travel through the Earth's interior. P-waves are compressional waves and are the fastest, while S-waves are shear waves and are slower. Surface waves, which include Love waves and Rayleigh waves, travel along the Earth's surface and are responsible for most of the ground shaking and damage during an earthquake.

The study of teravikud involves the use of seismographs, instruments that record the ground motion caused by seismic waves. By analyzing the arrival times and amplitudes of different types of teravikud at various seismograph stations, scientists can determine the location, depth, and magnitude of an earthquake. This information is crucial for earthquake preparedness and hazard assessment. The characteristics of teravikud also provide valuable insights into the composition and physical properties of the Earth's layers.