(Ã´r'dn-Ä­t) The distance of a point from the x-axis on a graph in the Cartesian coordinate system. It is measured parallel to the y-axis. For example, a point having coordinates (2,3) has 3 as its ordinate. Compare abscissa.
How well s waves travel depends on the medium's shear modulus, or rigidity. Liquids and gases have no rigidity so they do not allow s waves to propagate(travel). P waves depenâ¦d on the medium's bulk modulus, or compressibility, so they propagate in liquids and gases, as well as solids, since they are both compressible. 6 people found this useful.
S waves- vibrate from side to side as well as up and down. They shake the ground back and forth and when they reach the surface they shake structures violently. Only move through solids. Surface waves- when S and P waves reach the surface they become surface waves. Surface waves move slower than P and S waves but they can produce severe ground movements. Some surface waves make the ground roll like ocean waves. Other surface wave sake buildings from side to side.