Which seismic wave produces a rolling motion at Earth’s surface?

A Rayleigh wave produces a rolling motion at Earth’s surface.

Rayleigh waves are surface waves named after the British physicist Lord Rayleigh, who mathematically described them in 1885. As the wave passes, ground particles move in an approximately elliptical motion, combining vertical and horizontal movement. The motion can resemble the rolling of ocean waves.

Rayleigh waves travel along a free surface and usually become weaker with depth. They are slower than body waves such as P waves and S waves, but their long duration and large ground movement can make them highly damaging to buildings and infrastructure.

Love waves are another major surface-wave type. They move the ground mainly from side to side horizontally, whereas Rayleigh waves create the characteristic rolling or elliptical motion.