Seismic Waves

• What type of wave are P waves?

  Longitudinal waves
• What can P waves travel through?

  Both solids and liquids
• What type of wave are S waves?

  Transverse waves
• What can S waves travel through?

  Only solids
• How do P waves and S waves differ in speed?

  P waves are much faster than S waves
• How do scientists study the Earth's internal structure?

  By studying seismic wave travel
• What device do seismologists use to detect seismic waves?

  Seismometers
• What do seismologists compare to understand wave travel times?

  Results from other seismologists worldwide
• What happens to seismic waves at boundaries between different mediums?

  They can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted
• What does refraction of waves mean?

  Waves change direction due to speed change
• Why do waves refract at the boundary between the mantle and the outer core?

  There is a sudden change in density
• How do waves behave as they pass through the liquid outer core?

  They are constantly refracted and curve
• What happens to S waves when they reach the liquid outer core?

  They cannot travel through it
• Why can't S waves reach the inner core?

  They are surrounded by the liquid outer core
• What is a key difference in detection between P waves and S waves?

  P waves can be detected almost everywhere
• Why are there regions where no waves are detected?

  Waves are refracted away from those regions
• What are the main takeaways about seismic waves and Earth's structure?

  • P waves travel through solids and liquids
  • S waves only travel through solids
  • P waves are faster than S waves
  • Seismic waves help reveal Earth's internal structure
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