Rayleigh wave

noun

, Mechanics, Geology.

1. a wave along the surface of a solid, elastic body, especially along the surface of the earth.

Rayleigh wave

1. A type of seismic surface wave that moves with a rolling motion that consists of a combination of particle motion perpendicular and parallel to the main direction of wave propagation. The amplitude of this motion decreases with depth. Like primary waves, Rayleigh waves are alternatingly compressional and extensional (they cause changes in the volume of the rocks they pass through). Rayleigh waves travel slower than Love waves .

Word History and Origins

Origin of Rayleigh wave¹

First recorded in 1915–20; named after J. W. S. Rayleigh