Flashcard: Earthquakes and Earth's Interior

Front

What is the inner core of the Earth?

Back

The inner core is the solid innermost layer of the Earth, primarily composed of iron and nickel.

Front

Why can't S-waves travel through the outer core?

Back

S-waves cannot travel through the liquid outer core because they require a solid medium to propagate.

Front

What type of seismic wave is the fastest and first to arrive after an earthquake?

Back

P-waves are the fastest seismic waves and are the first to be detected after an earthquake.

Front

If a P-wave is recorded at 2:25 p.m. and the distance to the epicenter is 7600 km, what time did the earthquake occur?

Back

The earthquake occurred at 2:14 p.m.

Front

How far is a seismic station located if the first P-wave is detected 4 minutes after an earthquake?

Back

The seismic station is approximately 2000 km from the epicenter.

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the Earth, generated by earthquakes or other geological activity.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What is the Earth's crust?

Back

The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, composed of solid rock and minerals.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the layer of the Earth located between the crust and the outer core, composed of semi-solid rock that flows slowly.

Front

What is the outer core?

Back

The outer core is the layer of the Earth beneath the mantle, composed of liquid iron and nickel.