Rayleigh waves are a type of surface seismic wave that travels along the Earth's surface. They are named after the British scientist Lord Rayleigh, who studied their properties. These waves cause both vertical and horizontal ground movement, resulting in a rolling motion similar to ocean waves. Rayleigh waves typically travel slower than other seismic waves, such as P-waves and S-waves. They are significant during earthquakes, as they can cause extensive damage to structures due to their strong ground motion. Understanding Rayleigh waves helps scientists assess earthquake impacts and improve building designs for better safety.