Which type of seismic wave is characterized by particle motion perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation and cannot travel through liquid media?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Secondary or S-waves are transverse seismic body waves that displace ground perpendicular to their propagation path and cannot propagate through fluids since they lack shear strength. Primary waves are compressional and travel through both solids and liquids. Geology questions frequently use the shadow zones of S-waves to prove the liquid nature of Earth's outer core.