(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.
Different types of seismic waves include: Surface waves: Seismic waves that travel along the Earthâs surface. Body waves: Seismic waves that travel through the Earthâs interior. There are two types: Primary waves (P waves): Body waves that compress and expand rock in the direction the waves travel (like a slinky). Secondary waves (S waves): Body waves that shake material at right angles to the direction the waves travel (like shaking a rope). Solid rock transmits S waves, but gases and liquids do not.