Q. Which of the following earthquake waves are more destructive at the epicenter?

Correct Answer: d) L waves

Explanation: Earthquake waves are categorized into body waves (P waves and S waves) and surface waves (R waves and L waves). Among these, surface waves are generally more destructive because they travel along the Earth’s surface and cause significant ground movement.

L waves, also known as Love waves, are a type of surface wave. They move the ground horizontally, causing intense shaking. This horizontal motion can lead to severe damage to buildings and infrastructure, especially near the epicenter where the energy is strongest.

– P waves (Primary waves) are the fastest and travel through solids, liquids, and gases, but they cause less damage as they primarily compress and expand the material.
– S waves (Secondary waves) are slower than P waves and only travel through solids. They cause more damage than P waves but are less destructive than surface waves.
– R waves (Rayleigh waves) are another type of surface wave that causes both vertical and horizontal ground motion, but L waves are typically more destructive due to their horizontal shearing effect.

Thus, L waves are the most destructive at the epicenter.