Figure : Map of Nepal showing major fault lines (MCT, MBT, MFT).
A STUDY ON SEISMIC WAVES, ITS TYPES AND
THEIR IMPORTANCE
A Project Work
Submitted to The Department of Physics, Capital College and Research Centre in the Partial Fulfillment
for the Requirement of Physics Lab Work
of Grade XII (Science), NEB
By
Awani Osti
Roll No:8 Sec: ‘B3’ Group: P
14th November, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
It is to certify that Miss Awani Osti has carried out the project work titled A STUDY ON SEISMIC
WAVES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE under our guidance.
We recommend this project work in the partial fulfillment for the requirement of Physics Lab
Work of Grade XII (Science), Nepal Education Board (NEB).
Supervisor Physics Lab Supervisor, Grade 12
Pradeep Thapa Mr. Rajiv Yadav
Department of Physics, Department of Physics,
Capital College and Research Centre Capital College and Research Centre
Koteshwor, Kathmandu Koteshwor, Kathmandu
Date: 14th November, 2025
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am deeply grateful to all those who have guided and supported me throughout the course of this
project. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the faculty of the Physics Department for
their invaluable guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback. My heartfelt appreciation
also goes to my college administration and staff for providing the necessary resources and a
conducive environment to carry out this work.
I am also thankful to my friends and family for their continuous support and motivation, which
greatly helped me in completing this project successfully.
……………………..
Awani Osti
14th November , 2025
EVALUATION
We certify that we have read this project work and, in our opinion, it is good in the scope and
quality as project work in partial fulfillment for the requirements of the Physics Lab Work of
Grade XII (Science), Nepal Education Board (NEB).
Evaluation Committee
Pradeep Thapa Mr. Rajiv Yadav
Supervisor Physics Lab Supervisor, Grade 12
Department of Physics, Department of Physics,
Capital College and Research Centre, Capital College and Research Centre,
Koteshwor, Kathmandu Koteshwor, Kathmandu
Mr. Rajendra Pokhrel
Head of Department, Department of Physics,
Capital College and Research Centre,
Koteshwor, Kathmandu
Date: 14th November, 2025
ABSTRACT
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of seismic waves and their role in understanding
the Earth’s internal structure and earthquake behavior. Seismic waves, generated by natural
phenomena such as earthquakes or by artificial sources like explosions, propagate through the
Earth’s layers, providing critical information about its composition, properties, and dynamics.
The study examines both body waves i.e. P-waves (primary) and S-waves (secondary) and
surface waves i.e. Love waves and Rayleigh waves to elucidate their characteristics, propagation
patterns, and implications for earthquake hazard assessment.
The research highlights the significance of seismology in earthquake-prone regions, with a
particular focus on Nepal, which lies along the Himalayan seismic belt. The continuous
convergence of the Indian and Eurasian plates results in frequent seismic activity, making the
study of wave propagation, velocity, and amplification effects essential for disaster preparedness,
risk mitigation, and the design of earthquake-resilient infrastructure.
Furthermore, the report discusses methodologies, instruments, and findings from both
international and Nepali research, including seismic wave amplification in sedimentary basins,
fault system analyses, GPS-based crustal deformation studies, and microtremor investigations,
emphasizing their practical applications in hazard mapping and infrastructure planning.
Keywords: Seismic waves, P-waves, S-waves, Love waves, Rayleigh waves, Seismology, Main
Central Thrust (MCT), Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), Main Frontal Thrust (MFT).
CONTENTS
1. Title Page i
2. Abstract ii
3. Acknowledgement iii
4. Recommendation iv
5. Evaluation v
1. Introduction 1
2. Theory
2.1. Introduction to Seismic waves
2.2. Types of Seismic Waves
2.2.1. Body waves
2.2.2. Surface waves
2.3. Propagation and measurement of Seismic waves
2.4. Importance of Seismology
2.5. Seismic studies of Nepal
3. Objectives
4. Methodologies and Instrumentations
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Methodologies used in the study of seismic waves
4.3 Instruments used in seismic studies
4.4. Significance of Methodologies and Instruments in Nepal’s context
5. Results and Discussion
5.1. Introduction
5.2. International Research Results
5.3. Seismic Research Results from Nepal
5.4. Discussion
5.5. Significance in Nepal’s context
6. Conclusions
7. Future Works
References
Appendix
Appendix
A. List of Abbreviations
MCT – Main Central Thrust
MBT – Main Boundary Thrust
MFT – Main Frontal Thrust
NSC – National Seismological Centre, Nepal
DMG – Department of Mines and Geology, Nepal
GPS – Global Positioning System
B. Figures and Diagrams
Figure 1: Seismic wave propagation diagram (P-wave, S-wave, Surface waves).
Figure 2: Map of Nepal showing MCT, MBT, and MFT fault lines.
Figure 3: Seismograph diagram
Figure 4: Seismic Tomography Model showing cross-section of Earth’s interior
Figure 5: Seismic Reflection
C. Tables
Table 1: Major earthquakes in Nepal (Year, Magnitude, Epicenter, Impact).
REFERENCES
1. Aki, K., & Richards, P. G. (2002). Quantitative Seismology (2nd ed.). University Science
Books.
2. Shear, H., & Lay, T. (2009). Modern Global Seismology. Academic Press.
3. USGS (United States Geological Survey). (2015). Gorkha, Nepal Earthquake of April 25,
2015. Retrieved from [Link]
4. National Seismological Centre (NSC), Nepal. (2015–2025). Earthquake Monitoring
Reports. Kathmandu, Nepal.
5. Department of Mines and Geology (DMG), Nepal. (2016). Seismic Hazard Assessment in
Nepal. Kathmandu, Nepal.
6. Pandey, M. R., & Tandukar, R. (2016). Seismicity and Microzonation of the Kathmandu
Valley. Journal of Nepal Geological Society, 52, 45–60.
7. Bilham, R. (2004). Earthquakes in India and Nepal: Tectonics, Hazards, and
Implications. Science, 305(5691), 1615–1616.
8. Thapa, S., & Gautam, S. (2018). Site Response and Seismic Wave Amplification in
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Himalayan Journal of Earth Sciences, 51, 23–34.
9. USGS & IRIS. (2020). Global Seismic Data and Instrumentation Guide. Retrieved from
[Link]
10. Ader, T., & Avouac, J. P. (2018). Crustal Deformation in the Himalayas from GPS
Measurements. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 123(3), 2456–2478.