Waves inside the Earth 5E Flashcard

Front

What are the three main types of seismic waves?

Back

P-waves, S-waves, and surface waves.

Front

What is the primary characteristic of P-waves?

Back

P-waves are compressional waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

Front

What is the primary characteristic of S-waves?

Back

S-waves are shear waves that can only travel through solids.

Front

How do surface waves differ from P-waves and S-waves?

Back

Surface waves travel along the Earth's surface and typically cause more damage than P-waves and S-waves.

Front

What is amplitude in the context of seismic waves?

Back

Amplitude refers to the height of the wave, which is related to the energy released during an earthquake.

Front

What does frequency mean in relation to seismic waves?

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in a given time period, affecting how we perceive the shaking.

Front

What is the relationship between wave speed and the medium through which it travels?

Back

Wave speed varies depending on the density and elasticity of the medium; waves travel faster in denser and more elastic materials.

Front

What happens to seismic waves as they enter different materials?

Back

Seismic waves change speed and direction when they enter materials of different densities and elastic properties.

Front

What is the significance of the S-wave shadow zone?

Back

The S-wave shadow zone indicates that S-waves cannot travel through liquids, providing evidence of the Earth's liquid outer core.

Front

How do seismic waves help scientists understand the Earth's interior?

Back

By studying how seismic waves travel through the Earth, scientists can infer the composition and state of the Earth's layers.