Question

Which one of these statements is NOT correct for electromagnetic waves travelling through the subsurface?

• A. They cannot travel without attenuation
• B. They are subject to diffraction
• C. They are analogous to seismic P waves
• D. They can be used to detect highly conductive ore bodies

Hint:

Electromagnetic waves differ fundamentally from seismic waves; while both propagate through the Earth, their physical nature and propagation mechanisms are different.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Electromagnetic wave behavior in subsurface. 
EM waves experience attenuation, diffraction, and can detect conductive bodies — these are established facts. 
Step 2: Comparing with seismic P waves. 
Seismic P waves are mechanical (elastic) waves that require a medium and involve particle motion. Electromagnetic waves, on the other hand, are transverse and do not involve mass displacement — hence, they are not analogous to P waves.