QuestionMay 27, 2025

39. How do earthquakes help scientists understand Earth's interior?

39. How do earthquakes help scientists understand Earth's interior?
39. How do earthquakes help scientists understand Earth's interior?

Solution
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Answer

Earthquakes provide data on seismic waves, helping scientists map Earth's internal structure and infer material properties. Explanation 1. Analyze Seismic Waves Earthquakes generate seismic waves that travel through Earth's interior. Scientists study these waves to understand the structure and composition of different layers. 2. Use Wave Speed Variations **Seismic wave speed** changes as they pass through different materials, indicating variations in density and state (solid or liquid) within Earth's layers. 3. Identify Layer Boundaries Reflections and refractions of seismic waves at boundaries help identify transitions between layers like crust, mantle, and core. 4. Infer Material Properties By analyzing wave behavior, scientists infer properties such as temperature, pressure, and material composition of Earth's interior.

Explanation

1. Analyze Seismic Waves<br /> Earthquakes generate seismic waves that travel through Earth's interior. Scientists study these waves to understand the structure and composition of different layers.<br /><br />2. Use Wave Speed Variations<br /> **Seismic wave speed** changes as they pass through different materials, indicating variations in density and state (solid or liquid) within Earth's layers.<br /><br />3. Identify Layer Boundaries<br /> Reflections and refractions of seismic waves at boundaries help identify transitions between layers like crust, mantle, and core.<br /><br />4. Infer Material Properties<br /> By analyzing wave behavior, scientists infer properties such as temperature, pressure, and material composition of Earth's interior.
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