8.15 - Seismic Waves

• P-waves are a type of seismic wave. Are they transverse or longitudinal waves?

  Longitudinal waves
• True or false? P-waves can travel through solids and liquids, whereas S-waves can only travel through solids.

  True
• S-waves are a of type of seismic wave. Are they transverse or longitudinal waves?

  Transverse waves
• Seismic waves can be ________ at a boundary between two mediums of different densities.

  • reflected
  • absorbed
  • transmitted
• Seismic waves can be detected using:

  Seismometers
• The diagram below shows the path of travel for:

  P-waves , Only P-waves can pass through the liquid outer core, so these must be P-waves.

  
• S-waves

  S-waves cannot pass through the liquid outer core, so these must be S-waves.

  
• Which waves travel faster?

  P-waves
• What are the waves produced by large-scale events like volcanoes and earthquakes called?

  Seismic waves
• What are the two types of seismic waves discussed?

  P waves and S waves
• How do P waves travel compared to S waves?

  P waves are longitudinal; S waves are transverse
• Can P waves travel through liquids?

  Yes, P waves can travel through liquids
• Can S waves travel through liquids?

  No, S waves can only travel through solids
• Which type of seismic wave is faster?

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

  By studying how seismic waves travel
• What devices do seismologists use to detect seismic waves?

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

  Their results with other seismologists' results
• 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 seismic waves change direction at the mantle and outer core boundary?

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

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

  They cannot pass through the liquid outer core
• What was one of the main clues for scientists discovering the liquid outer core?

  S waves could not be detected in that region
• Where can P waves be detected after an earthquake?

  Almost everywhere except specific regions
• What are the characteristics of P waves and S waves?

  • P waves:
  • Longitudinal
  • Travel through solids and liquids
  • Faster than S waves
  • S waves:
  • Transverse
  • Travel only through solids
• How do seismic waves help scientists understand the Earth's internal structure?

  • By measuring wave travel times
  • Comparing results globally
  • Identifying wave behavior at boundaries
  • Determining material properties based on wave detection