Seismology Instruction with the AS 1

     The distinction between types of wave motions is important because it determines what will 

be recorded on a seismometer.  The AS 1 is a vertical component seismometer, which means 

that it records waves that displace the ground in a vertical direction only. Thus, we can expect 

to record P, S, and Rayleigh waves.  Since Love waves move horizontally we will not be able 

to record them on this seismometer.  

     What can you expect to see in the AS 1 recording?  Often the quality of the record will 

allow you to pick out each of the waves, but other times there may be noise on the seismogram 

that makes it diffi cult to distinguish the arrivals.  See the Tips for Picking P, S, and Surface 

Waves section for examples of picking wave arrivals.

AmaSeis Version 1.0 Level 2005.05.19

1.3