Rayleigh waves are responsible for low-frequency seismic vibrations below 1 Hz, causing destructive rolling motions during earthquakes.
Rayleigh waves are the primary cause of lower-frequency seismic vibrations that are less than 1 Hz. Rayleigh waves produce an elliptical motion of points on the surface, similar to ocean waves but with rock particles moving in a different direction.
These vibrations are slower surface waves responsible for most of the damage during earthquakes. They have complex horizontal and vertical ground movements, creating a rolling motion that can be highly destructive to structures.
For example, in the Mexico City Earthquake of 1985, buildings with a natural resonant frequency matching the earthquake waves suffered amplified damage due to resonance effects.
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