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How does the velocity of P waves change abruptly when passing from the lower mantle into the outer core?

Delpha Murray ∙

Lvl 10

∙ 1mo ago

Updated: 2/12/2025

When P waves pass from the lower mantle into the outer core, their velocity abruptly decreases due to the change in the physical properties of the materials they are traveling through.

AnswerBot

∙ 1mo ago

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Q: How does the velocity of P waves change abruptly when passing from the lower mantle into the outer core?

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What is the difference between Mohorovicic discontinuity and Gutenberg discontinuity?

The Mohorovicic discontinuity, or Moho, is the boundary between the Earth's crust and mantle, marking a change in seismic wave velocity. The Gutenberg discontinuity is the boundary between the Earth's mantle and outer core, where seismic waves change velocity and nature. Essentially, the Moho separates the crust and mantle, while the Gutenberg discontinuity separates the mantle and outer core.

What is the change in the physical properties of Earth's interior at the mantle-core boundary that makes P waves go through the boundary?

At the mantle-core boundary, there is a change in density and composition of the material. The increase in density and the solid state of the core allow P waves to travel through, with some refraction due to the change in velocity.

How can seismic wave be used to infer the presence of the Mohorovicic Discontinuity?

Seismic waves change speed and direction when they encounter changes in the density and composition of rocks. The Mohorovicic Discontinuity marks the boundary between the Earth's crust and mantle, causing seismic waves to abruptly change behavior when passing through it. By analyzing the way seismic waves interact with this boundary, scientists can infer the presence and properties of the Mohorovicic Discontinuity.

What is the moho in the earths layers?

The Moho, short for Mohorovičić discontinuity, is a boundary between the Earth's crust and the mantle. It marks a significant change in seismic wave velocities, indicating the transition from the less dense, rigid crust to the more dense, flowing mantle beneath.

What is the moho barrier for?

It is between the Crust and the upper mantle

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Related Questions

What does pass the mantle mean?

The passing of the mantle, means passing power from one person to another.

What is the difference between Mohorovicic discontinuity and Gutenberg discontinuity?

The Mohorovicic discontinuity, or Moho, is the boundary between the Earth's crust and mantle, marking a change in seismic wave velocity. The Gutenberg discontinuity is the boundary between the Earth's mantle and outer core, where seismic waves change velocity and nature. Essentially, the Moho separates the crust and mantle, while the Gutenberg discontinuity separates the mantle and outer core.

What is Monorovicicdiscontinuity?

It is the boundary between the earth's crust and mantle, across which there is a sudden change in the velocity of seismic waves Often shortened to Moho

What is the change in the physical properties of Earth's interior at the mantle-core boundary that makes P waves go through the boundary?

At the mantle-core boundary, there is a change in density and composition of the material. The increase in density and the solid state of the core allow P waves to travel through, with some refraction due to the change in velocity.

How can seismic wave be used to infer the presence of the Mohorovicic Discontinuity?

Seismic waves change speed and direction when they encounter changes in the density and composition of rocks. The Mohorovicic Discontinuity marks the boundary between the Earth's crust and mantle, causing seismic waves to abruptly change behavior when passing through it. By analyzing the way seismic waves interact with this boundary, scientists can infer the presence and properties of the Mohorovicic Discontinuity.

What is the moho in the earths layers?

The Moho, short for Mohorovičić discontinuity, is a boundary between the Earth's crust and the mantle. It marks a significant change in seismic wave velocities, indicating the transition from the less dense, rigid crust to the more dense, flowing mantle beneath.

What is the moho barrier for?

It is between the Crust and the upper mantle

The transition zone separates?

The transition zone separates the upper mantle from the lower mantle in the Earth's interior. This region experiences changes in temperature and pressure, leading to distinct physical and chemical properties. Seismic waves also show variations in velocity when passing through this zone.

Is the boundary between the crust and upper mantle?

The boundary between the crust and upper mantle is known as the Mohorovičić discontinuity or Moho. It represents the change in seismic wave velocity and composition between the rigid outer layer (crust) and the more ductile layer beneath (mantle).

Can S waves travel through the earths mantle?

Yes, S-waves can travel through the Earth's mantle. They are secondary seismic waves that propagate by shearing the material they pass through, making them able to travel through solid materials like the mantle. However, their velocity and amplitude might change as they move through the different layers of the Earth.

It separates the mantle and the crust?

The Mohorovicic Discontinuity (also known as the Moho) separates the Earth's crust from the underlying mantle. It is the boundary where seismic waves change speed, indicating a change in composition and density between the two layers.

What happens to a p wave when it crosses the mantle to the core?

When a P wave travels from the mantle to the core, it gradually slows down and refracts due to the differences in material density and composition. As it enters the outer core, the P wave undergoes a sudden increase in velocity and refracts again. This change in velocity causes the P wave to travel along the boundary of the outer core, creating a shadow zone on the opposite side of the Earth where the wave is not detected by seismometers.

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