Love-wave Motion

3s Novice

Love Waves—surface waves that move parallel to the Earth’s surface and perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Particle motion consists of alternating transverse motions.  Particle motion is horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of propagation (transverse).  To aid in seeing that the particle motion is purely horizontal, focus on the Y axis (red line) as the wave propagates through it.  Amplitude decreases with depth.  Material returns to its original shape after wave passes.

Animation by Larry Braile,Purdue University.