There are two main types of vibrations produced by earthquakes, P-waves and S-waves. They move through solids and liquids very differently. Networks of seismographs on the surface can reveal the patterns of movement, even through the center of the core. These patterns can be analyzed to show the state of matter deep inside earth. ( very similar to the software that enables CAT scan xrays to show images of your insides)
The Wikipedia article on this is excellent, with great diagrams:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seismic_wave
There are two main types of vibrations produced by earthquakes, P-waves and S-waves. They move through solids and liquids very differently. Networks of seismographs on the surface can reveal the patterns of movement, even through the center of the core. These patterns can be analyzed to show the state of matter deep inside earth. ( very similar to the software that enables CAT scan xrays to show images of your insides)
The Wikipedia article on this is excellent, with great diagrams:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seismic_wave
Just echoing that scientists use earthquakes to determine the earth’s structure. Waves travel through different materials at certain speeds. Additionally, there are two kinds of earthquake waves, one of which does not travel through the earth’s core.
More info than you probably need, but figure 7.4 should help you visualize. [https://manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/physical/ocean-floor/layers-earth/compare-contrast-connect-seismic-waves-and-determining-earth-s-structure](https://manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/physical/ocean-floor/layers-earth/compare-contrast-connect-seismic-waves-and-determining-earth-s-structure)
Just echoing that scientists use earthquakes to determine the earth’s structure. Waves travel through different materials at certain speeds. Additionally, there are two kinds of earthquake waves, one of which does not travel through the earth’s core.
More info than you probably need, but figure 7.4 should help you visualize. [https://manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/physical/ocean-floor/layers-earth/compare-contrast-connect-seismic-waves-and-determining-earth-s-structure](https://manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/physical/ocean-floor/layers-earth/compare-contrast-connect-seismic-waves-and-determining-earth-s-structure)
Scientists have used seismic waves to determine the composition of the Earth’s interior. Seismic waves are like sound waves, but they travel through the Earth instead of through the air. When an earthquake occurs, seismic waves travel through the Earth and bounce off boundaries between different layers. By measuring the time it takes for the waves to travel to different points on the Earth’s surface, scientists can determine the size and composition of the Earth’s core, mantle, and crust. Because seismic waves travel faster through solid material than through liquid material, scientists can determine that the Earth’s core is solid and the mantle is liquid.
Scientists have used seismic waves to determine the composition of the Earth’s interior. Seismic waves are like sound waves, but they travel through the Earth instead of through the air. When an earthquake occurs, seismic waves travel through the Earth and bounce off boundaries between different layers. By measuring the time it takes for the waves to travel to different points on the Earth’s surface, scientists can determine the size and composition of the Earth’s core, mantle, and crust. Because seismic waves travel faster through solid material than through liquid material, scientists can determine that the Earth’s core is solid and the mantle is liquid.
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