Flashcard#7 Earth’s Interior

Front

What is the largest layer of the Earth?

Back

Lower Mantle

Front

What type of surface wave is known as a Love Wave?

Back

A type of seismic wave that moves the ground horizontally.

Front

What process can prevent P-waves from arriving at a seismic station?

Back

Refraction, which occurs when seismic waves change speed as they pass through different materials.

Front

What is the composition of the Earth's Inner Core?

Back

Solid Iron and Nickel.

Front

How do geologists obtain indirect evidence about Earth's interior?

Back

By recording and studying seismic waves.

Front

What is the primary component of the Earth's Outer Core?

Back

Liquid Iron and Nickel.

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, generated by earthquakes or other geological processes.

Front

What is the difference between P-waves and S-waves?

Back

P-waves are primary waves that are compressional and can travel through solids and liquids, while S-waves are secondary waves that are shear and can only travel through solids.

Front

What is the significance of the Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho)?

Back

It is the boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle.

Front

What is the role of seismic tomography in understanding Earth's interior?

Back

Seismic tomography uses seismic waves to create 3D images of the Earth's interior structure.