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Q60 (CDS-I/2021) Geography › World Physical Geography › Seismology and volcanism Answer Verified

Which one of the following statements about primary waves of earthquakes is not correct ?

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: B
Explanation

Primary waves (P-waves) are longitudinal, compressional waves that are similar to sound waves [6]. They are the fastest seismic waves, moving at high velocities and arriving first at the surface [7]. A defining characteristic of P-waves is their ability to travel through all states of matter, including gaseous, liquid, and solid materials [6]. In contrast, secondary waves (S-waves) are transverse waves that can only travel through solid materials and are unable to pass through fluids like liquids or gases because fluids do not support shear stress [5]. Therefore, the statement claiming P-waves can travel only through solid materials is incorrect, as that property specifically describes S-waves [2]. P-waves pass through the Earth's liquid outer core, though they are refracted due to density changes.

Sources

  1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 4: Earths Interior > Primary Waves (P-Waves) > p. 60
  2. [6] https://www.britannica.com/video/rock-vibrations-Earth-earthquake-waves-P-surface/-218347
  3. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 4: Earths Interior > Why Do P-Waves Travel Faster Than S-Waves? > p. 61
  4. [7] https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science-earthquakes
  5. [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: The Origin and Evolution of the Earth > Earthquake Waves > p. 20
  6. [5] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 4: Earths Interior > S Wave Shadow Zone > p. 63
  7. [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 4: Earths Interior > Secondary Waves (S-Waves) > p. 62
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