Curated OER
Roots of the Mariana Arc
Plumb the depths of the Submarine Ring of Fire and explore seismic waves with this lesson. Junior geologists simulate s-waves and p-waves, calculate their speeds, and then apply the data to discover the material that makes up inner...
Curated OER
Being P-Waves and S-Waves
Students participate in a demonstration in which they, themselves, represent seismic P-waves and S-waves.
eSchool Today
E School Today: Your Cool Facts and Tips on Earthquakes
Explains what earthquakes are, what causes them, the different types, tsunamis that can be caused by them, and how to prepare if living in an earthquake-prone area.
Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University: Up Seis: Seismology and Seismic Waves
Definitions and descriptions of a variety of seismic waves such as S, P, Love, and Rayleigh waves, as well as diagrams and speeds.
US Geological Survey
U.s. Geological Survey: Earthquake Center: Glossary
This resource provides definitions of important earthquake related terms.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Being P Waves and S Waves
In this lesson plan students develop a good understanding of different kinds of seismic waves and their effects.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Earthquakes
This exercise will help students understand the plate boundaries of earthquakes.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Alaskan Earthquake: Seismic Waves
[Free Registration/Login Required] A site that diagrams what happens if a major earthquake occurs over Alaska. A short quiz over the topic is also included.
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology
Iris: Seismic Wave Motions
Four animations showing the movements of surface waves and body waves that are created by earthquakes. Includes P, S, Rayleigh, and Love waves.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Seismic Waves
Basic definitions and characteristics of the different wave types, diagrams, and speeds of the waves. Has links to information on seismology, earthquakes, and plate tectonics.
Other
Impact Tectonics: Earth's Interior, Gravity, and Magnetism [Pdf]
Topics covered in this slideshow include the Earth's interior, seismic S- and P-waves, the crust and mantle, phase boundaries encountered by seismic waves, the Earth's internal heat, gravity and density, gravitational anomalies, the...
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology
Iris: Seismic Waves Viewer
Visualize the propagation of seismic waves from historic earthquakes through Earth's interior and around its surface.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Characteristics of Waves
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Covers three types of mechanical waves - transverse, longitudinal, and surface - and their characteristics. Includes labeled illustrations and two video animations.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Seismic Waves
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] The seismic waves that emanate from earthquakes include body waves and surface waves. Learn how scientists use seismic waves to learn about the Earth's interior.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Seismic Waves Study Guide
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This study guide summarizes key points about types of seismic waves. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.