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analyzing earthquake
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| body wave | An earthquake wave that travels through the body of Earth rather than on its surface. See also P-wave, S-wave, and surface wave |
| surface wave | An earthquake wave that travels at or near the surface of Earth |
| p-wave | A primary (compressional) earthquake wave that travels through the body of Earth; so named because is is the first wave to reach a seismograph station during an earthquake. See also S-wave |
| s-wave | A secondary earthquake wave, so named because it travels slower than a primary wave and is the second wave to reach the seismograph station after an earthquake. It travels through the body of Earth as a series of crest and troughs. See also P-wave |
| aftershock | An earthquake that occurs later along the same fault zone as a major earthquake, but before the area have returned to its normal level of seismic activity |
| epicenter | Location on Earths surface directly above an earthquakes focus or origin. |
| focus | Location beneath Earths surface where the energy of an earthquake is released. |