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 study the Earth's internal structure?

  By studying seismic wave travel
• What devices 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 occurs when seismic waves are transmitted?

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

  Waves change speed in different densities
• 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 slightly
• What is the behavior of waves in the mantle?

  They are generally refracted and seem to curve
• How do P waves and S waves differ in their ability to travel through the Earth?

  P waves can travel through both, S waves only solids
• What was a key clue for scientists discovering the liquid outer core?

  S waves cannot travel through liquids
• Where could S waves not be detected during an earthquake?

  In the liquid outer core region
• Why can't S waves reach the solid inner core?

  It's surrounded by the liquid outer core
• Where are P waves detected during an earthquake?

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

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

  They reveal the Earth's internal structure
• What is the main difference between P waves and S waves?

  P waves travel through solids and liquids
• What are the characteristics of P waves and S waves?

  P Waves:

  • Longitudinal
  • Travel through solids and liquids
  • Much faster than S waves

  
  

  S Waves:

  • Transverse
  • Travel only through solids
  • Slower than P waves
• How do seismic waves help scientists understand the Earth's structure?

  • Detecting wave travel times
  • Comparing results globally
  • Identifying wave behavior at boundaries
  • Inferring material properties based on wave types