Are S or P waves more destructive?

As a seismologist with extensive experience in the study of seismic waves, I can provide insight into the destructive nature of S and P waves. P waves, or primary waves, are the first to be detected by seismographs and travel through the Earth at a faster speed than S waves. They are compressional waves that cause particles in the Earth to move back and forth in the same direction as the wave is traveling. While they can cause damage, their destructive power is generally less than that of S waves. S waves, or secondary waves, arrive after P waves and travel slower. They are transverse waves that cause particles to move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel. S waves are more destructive than P waves because they shake the ground more violently, and they cannot travel through the Earth's liquid outer core, unlike P waves. However, it's important to note that neither P nor S waves are as destructive as surface waves. Surface waves, which include Rayleigh waves and Love waves, travel along the Earth's surface and can cause the most damage during an earthquake. Their larger amplitude and the way they interact with the ground can lead to significant structural damage. In summary, while S waves are more destructive than P waves, surface waves are the most destructive of all seismic waves.

Although surface waves travel more slowly than S-waves, they can be much larger in amplitude and can be the most destructive type of seismic wave. There are two basic kinds of surface waves: Rayleigh waves, also called ground roll, travel as ripples similar to those on the surface of water.