Seismic Waves and Earth's Layers

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the Earth, typically as a result of geological activity such as earthquakes.

Front

What are the two main types of seismic waves?

Back

The two main types of seismic waves are P waves (primary waves) and S waves (secondary waves).

Front

What is the primary characteristic of P waves?

Back

P waves can travel through both solids and liquids and are the fastest seismic waves.

Front

What is the primary characteristic of S waves?

Back

S waves can only travel through solids and are slower than P waves.

Front

What happens to P waves when they encounter different materials?

Back

P waves can refract, or change direction, as they pass through materials of different densities.

Front

What happens to S waves when they enter the outer core?

Back

S waves get absorbed when they enter the outer core, as the outer core is liquid.

Front

Where is the epicenter of an earthquake located?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake's origin.

Front

What is the relationship between seismic waves and Earth's layers?

Back

Seismic waves travel at different speeds and can be refracted or absorbed depending on the density and state (solid or liquid) of the Earth's layers.

Front

Where is heat and pressure the greatest in the Earth?

Back

Heat and pressure are greatest in the inner core.

Front

What is triangulation in the context of earthquakes?

Back

Triangulation is a method used to determine the epicenter of an earthquake by using data from multiple seismic stations.