Love wave propagation is similar to S-Waves. But the particles travel parallel to the earth surface and traverse to the propagation direction and particles do not move in the vertical plane. Propagation of this wave is similar to a rope motion when it is moving right and left. LQ waves travel faster than LR waves and recorder sooner on the seismograph.

Compress ional P-Waves

Compress ional waves travel in any media. Particles oscillate back and forth in a P-wave. If a compressed string is released the compression will be travel in the whole of the string.

Rayleigh Waves (LR)

Particles move in circular orbits. It is like wave motion on ocean surface but circular motion is reverse to the motion waves. In other words rock particles motion is in an elliptical orbit towards the earthquakes source and vertical plane.

Shear Waves (S-Waves)

This wave can propagate in such a media which can resist against tension such as solid media. Gaseous and liquid media can not pass S-waves. If a rope is moved up and down, the generated wave is similar to S-wave. Oscillation direction is perpendicular to the wave propagation direction.

Seismic Waves 

Seismic waves are divided into two kinds of waves such as "Body Waves" and "Surface Waves" based on their motion in the earth and on the earth's surface. Surface waves carry most of the energy of shallow earthquakes and are the main cause of damages in urbane areas. After interfering along interfaces, this type of wave oscillates and has a limited penetration. They move along discontinuities and there are no such waves in homogeneous media. This type of wave is divided to "Love Waves" and "Rayleigh Waves".

Body waves are another type of waves that travel in the earth, propagate in all direction and are faster than surface waves. These groups of waves are divided into "Longitudinal" or primary waves and "Traverse" or secondary waves. These waves are distinguished by their wavelength, frequency, amplitude, velocity and period.