Body waves are seismic waves that travel through the interior of the Earth. They are generated by events such as earthquakes and can be classified into two main types: P-waves and S-waves. P-waves, or primary waves, are compressional waves that move quickly and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. S-waves, or secondary waves, are shear waves that move slower and can only travel through solids. These waves provide valuable information about the Earth's structure. By analyzing the speed and behavior of body waves, scientists can infer details about the composition and state of materials within the Earth. This helps in understanding geological processes and assessing earthquake risks.