Which type of seismic wave is a body wave that compresses and expands the ground in the direction the wave is traveling, being the fastest seismic wave?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Primary waves, or P-waves, are compressional body waves that travel faster than any other seismic waves, moving through both solid rock and liquid layers by pushing and pulling the ground. Secondary waves, or S-waves, are transverse shear waves that travel only through solids and arrive after P-waves. Seismic wave velocities and shadow zones are standard topics tested under geomorphology and climatology.