Shear Wave (S-Wave) Animation
Deformation propagates. Particle motion consists of alternating transverse
motion. Particle motion is perpendicular
to the direction of propagation (transverse).
Transverse particle motion shown here is vertical but can be in any
direction; however Earth’s layers tend to cause mostly vertical (SV) or
horizontal (SH) shear motions. Material returns
to its original shape after wave passes.