What are seismic waves?

Seismic waves are energy waves, generally associated with earthquakes. They carry the energy from the source of vibrations (epicenter or point where rocks break). They are classified as either body waves or surface waves. Body waves carry the energy from the interior of Earth to its exterior surface and hence they travel in the outward direction. They are further divided into P waves and S waves. P waves can move through both solids and liquids, while S waves moves through solid rock only. Thus, P waves will reach an observer or a seismic station earliest, as compared to other seismic waves. Body waves have higher frequency than surface waves and alert the animals of an impending earthquake (especially the P waves). Surface waves move along the surface of Earth and are responsible for the structural damage.  

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