Seismic Waves & Earth's Interior

Front

What are the main layers of the Earth based on composition?

Back

Crust, Mantle, Core

Front

How do scientists infer the internal structure of the Earth?

Back

By analyzing how earthquake waves move through Earth's interior.

Front

What happens to S-waves at about 2900 km depth?

Back

They go to 0 km/s because they encounter the outer core, which is a liquid layer.

Front

What is a seismogram?

Back

The record of an earthquake's seismic waves produced by a seismometer.

Front

Which layer of the Earth is inferred to be composed of solid nickel and iron?

Back

The inner core.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, generated by earthquakes or other geological processes.

Front

What is the difference between P-waves and S-waves?

Back

P-waves are primary waves that can travel through solids and liquids, while S-waves are secondary waves that can only travel through solids.

Front

What is the outer core?

Back

A liquid layer of the Earth located beneath the mantle and above the inner core.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.