What are seismic waves?

Seismic waves are indeed energy waves generated by the sudden release of energy when rocks in the Earth's crust break or slip during an earthquake. This process creates vibrations that travel through the Earth, allowing us to measure and study seismic activity. These waves can be classified into different types, such as primary waves (P-waves), which are compressional and travel fastest, and secondary waves (S-waves), which are shear waves that travel more slowly.

The other options provided do not accurately describe seismic waves. Ocean currents do create waves on the water's surface, but they are not related to seismic activity. Similarly, sound waves produced by tectonic activity are not a recognized form of seismic wave, as seismic waves specifically refer to the vibrations resulting from the breaking of rocks and movement of the Earth's tectonic plates. Lastly, while certain animals can detect changes in the environment caused by seismic events, seismic waves are primarily measured and analyzed using specialized instruments like seismographs, not by animals. This highlights the unique nature of seismic waves as a product of geological processes rather than biological detection.