Seismic waves

• What do large-scale events like volcanoes produce?

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

  P waves and S waves
• What type of wave are P waves?

  Longitudinal
• What can P waves travel through?

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

  Transverse
• What can S waves travel through?

  Only solids
• How do P waves compare to S waves in speed?

  P waves are much faster than S waves
• How do scientists use seismic waves to understand the Earth's internal structure?

  By studying how waves travel through the Earth
• 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 occurs when seismic waves are transmitted?

  They are often refracted
• Why does refraction happen in seismic waves?

  Waves change speed in different density mediums
• What happens at the boundary between the mantle and the liquid 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 seem to curve
• How do waves behave in the mantle?

  They are generally refracted and seem to curve
• What does the diagram of seismic waves illustrate?

  Waves bending gradually and suddenly
• Why can't S waves travel through the liquid outer core?

  Because they can only travel through solids
• What was a key clue for scientists about the outer core?

  S waves cannot pass through it
• Where can S waves not be detected during an earthquake?

  In the liquid outer core region
• Where are P waves detected during an earthquake?

  Almost everywhere
• Why can't P waves be detected in certain positions?

  They are refracted away from those positions
• What is the main takeaway from the study of seismic waves?

  They help discover Earth's internal structure
• What are the key differences between P waves and S waves?

  • P waves: Longitudinal, travel through solids and liquids, faster
  • S waves: Transverse, travel only through solids, slower
• How do seismic waves help scientists understand the Earth's structure?

  • Detect waves using seismometers
  • Compare results globally
  • Analyze wave travel times
  • Determine internal structure based on wave behavior