(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.
Surface Waves - Radiate from the epicenter and travel along the Earth's surface. Have up and down rolling motion, and side to side vibrational motion. During an earthquake, the Earth's surface 'rolls' like waves on the open ocean and moves from side to side. Body Waves - Radiate from the focus and travel throughout the earth's interior. There are two types of body waves: P-waves and S-waves. P-wave (primary wave) - A compressional wave that causes alternate compression-expansion of the rock. Move through both solids and liquids (Fig 8.8 A).