Question

Explain why no S-waves are received on the side of the Earth opposite the epicentre 2. Explain why no P-Waves are received on the area labelled “Shadow Zone.”

3. Explain what causes seismic waves to travel along curved paths instead of straight lines.

4. What is the relationship between rock density and the velocity of the seismic waves?

5. Is the shadow zone always in the same location on Earth? Explain.

Answer 1

1 and 2. P-Waves are able travel through solids, liquids, and gases while S-Waves can only travel through solids. Therefore, S-Waves cannot travel through the liquid out core. As a result, only P-Waves will be received on the side of the Earth opposite the earthquake epicenter. This zone is called the S-Wave Shadow Zone.

3.The waves are refracted as they travel through the Earth due to a change in density of the medium. This causes the waves to travel in curved paths. When the waves cross the boundary between two different layers, there is a sudden change in direction due to refraction.

4.It appears that the seismic velocity and density are inversely related, but the denser rocks are characterized by higher velocities compared to lighter rocks because the density also depends on κ and μ. The halite with low density (1.8 g/cc) and high V P (4.5 km/s) shows an exception.

5. A seismic shadow zone is not in a constant place; each earthquake epicenter has a different shadow zone. The finding of shadow zones allowed scientists to prove Earth had an interior layer of liquid.

Explanation: Hope this helps!!!

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