S-waves, also known as shear waves or secondary waves, are a type of seismic waves that propagate through solids. Unlike P-waves (primary waves) that can travel through both solids and fluids, S-waves cannot propagate through liquids. When S-waves encounter a liquid, they undergo a phenomenon called reflection and refraction.
When S-waves reach the interface between a solid and a liquid, a portion of the energy is reflected back into the solid, while another portion is refracted or transmitted into the liquid. The amount of energy reflected and refracted depends on the angle of incidence and the properties of the materials involved.
In general, the reflection of S-waves at the solid-liquid interface is not total; some energy is transmitted into the liquid. However, the transmitted S-wave energy is quickly dissipated and absorbed by the liquid, causing attenuation and a rapid decrease in its amplitude as it travels through the liquid. This absorption leads to a significant decrease in the strength and propagation of S-waves in the liquid.
It's important to note that S-waves do not convert into P-waves when they encounter a liquid. P-waves, which are compression waves, can propagate through both solids and liquids. However, S-waves, which are shear waves that require shear rigidity, cannot propagate through fluids due to the absence of shear resistance in liquids.
In summary, when S-waves encounter a liquid, they undergo partial reflection and refraction at the interface. The reflected portion returns back into the solid, while the transmitted portion quickly dissipates and is absorbed by the liquid, leading to a rapid decrease in its amplitude and energy. The energy of S-waves is not converted into P-waves but is primarily dissipated as heat in the liquid medium.