Table of Contents
Which layer of the Earth does S waves do not travel?
the outer core
6. Figure 19.2b: S-waves do not travel through the outer core, creating an even bigger shadow zone for S-waves. The fact that S-waves do not travel through the outer core suggests that the latter is liquid.
Which part of the Earth will block S waves?
Unlike P waves, S waves cannot travel through the molten outer core of the Earth, and this causes a shadow zone for S waves opposite to their origin.
Why do S waves not pass through the core?
S-waves are shear waves, which move particles perpendicular to their direction of propagation. They can propagate through solid rocks because these rocks have enough shear strength. This is why S-waves cannot propagate through liquids.
Why does S wave have no ability to travel in fluid?
S-waves cannot travel through liquids. When they reach the surface they cause horizontal shaking. Liquids don’t have any shear strength and so a shear wave cannot propagate through a liquid. Think of a solid material, like a rock.
What are S waves in an earthquake?
An S wave, or shear wave, is a seismic body wave that shakes the ground back and forth perpendicular to the direction the wave is moving.
Which earthquake waves can pass through the core of the Earth?
Answer: Earthquakes produce P- and S-waves which pass through the Earth. Table 1 summarises the properties of P-waves and S-waves. P-waves pass through both mantle and core, but are slowed and refracted at the mantle / core boundary at a depth of 2900 km.
Can S waves travel through the interior of the earth?
S-waves (S stands for secondary) are shear earthquake waves that pass through the interior of the Earth. S-waves don’t change the volume of the material through which they propagate, they shear it.
Can S wave travel through the interior of the Earth?
Where do seismic waves travel in an earthquake?
The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus is the epicenter. When energy is released at the focus, seismic waves travel outward from that point in all directions. There are different types of seismic waves, each one traveling at varying speeds and motions.
How is an earthquake similar to a sound wave?
An earthquake is a series of low-frequency shock waves, somewhat like sound waves traveling through the earth. Nice work! You just studied 29 terms! Now up your study game with Learn mode.
Where does the energy go during an earthquake?
Anatomy of an Earthquake. The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus is the epicenter. When energy is released at the focus, seismic waves travel outward from that point in all directions. There are different types of seismic waves, each one traveling at varying speeds and motions. It’s these waves that you feel during an earthquake.
What makes up the epicenter of an earthquake?
Epicenter: The point at the surface of the Earth above the focus. Plates: Massive rocks that make up the outer layer of the Earth’s surface and whose movement along faults triggers earthquakes. Seismic waves: Waves that transmit the energy released by an earthquake.