Seismic waves are vibrations that travel through the Earth, typically generated by events such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. These waves can move through the Earth's interior or along its surface, and they are crucial for understanding the Earth's structure and behavior. There are two main types of seismic waves: P-waves (primary waves) and S-waves (secondary waves). P-waves are compressional waves that can travel through solids and liquids, while S-waves are shear waves that only move through solids. Scientists use instruments called seismometers to detect and analyze these waves, helping to assess earthquake activity and predict potential hazards.