Dictionary:Wave polarization

{{#category_index:W|wave polarization}} The sense of displacement for a wave (such as an S-wave). Motion may be predominantly confined to one direction because of source and/or receiver orientation, as with the preferred generation of SH-waves by a vibrator that is vibrating perpendicular to the profile direction and recorded with horizontal geophones likewise oriented. A preferred orientation may also be imposed by anisotropy, for example, S-waves involving displacement parallel (or perpendicular) to vertical fractures in rocks. See anisotropy (seismic).