What Does STW Stand For?

STW stands for Surface Transverse Wave

STW, or Surface Transverse Wave, refers to a type of seismic wave that travels along the surface of a medium, exhibiting motion perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. These waves are critical in geophysical applications, particularly in earthquake engineering and seismology, as they tend to cause significant ground displacement and are responsible for much of the damage during seismic events. Understanding STWs is essential for assessing the impact of seismic activities on structures and the Earth’s crust.