seismic waves

[ (seyez-mik) ]


In geology, shock waves in solid rock generated by earthquakes or underground explosions. (See seismology.)

Notes for seismic waves

Seismic waves travel through the Earth and can be detected far from their source.

Notes for seismic waves

Most of our knowledge of the Earth's interior comes from studying seismic waves.

Notes for seismic waves

The measurement of seismic waves is also important in detecting underground nuclear tests.

Words Nearby seismic waves

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

How to use seismic waves in a sentence

  • Sound and seismic waves were slow and the flare of atomic explosions couldn't be seen here.

    Sense of Obligation | Henry Maxwell Dempsey (AKA Harry Harrison)
  • In the process of breaking, vibrations called “seismic waves” are generated.

    Earthquakes | Kaye M. Shedlock
  • The magnitude of an earthquake, usually expressed by the Richter Scale, is a measure of the amplitude of the seismic waves.

    Earthquakes | Kaye M. Shedlock
  • The Santa Cruz mountains suffered little damage from the seismic waves, even though they were close to the epicenter.

    Earthquakes | Kaye M. Shedlock
  • Sound and seismic waves were slow, and the flare of atomic explosions couldn't be seen here.

    Planet of the Damned | Harry Harrison