Question

How do scientists know the Earth's outer core is liquid? Drill holes to the core. The outer core isn't liquid. Satellites have taken x-rays of Earth. Earthquake waves.

Answer 1

Scientists know that the Earth's outer core is liquid through seismic waves produced by earthquakes, seismic imaging, and studying the geothermal heat flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

Scientists know that the Earth's outer core is liquid through various methods:

1. Seismic Waves: Seismic waves produced by earthquakes provide valuable information about the Earth's interior. Shear or transverse waves cannot travel through a liquid and do not pass through the Earth's core, while compression or longitudinal waves can pass through a liquid and go through the core. This indicates that the outer core is liquid.
2. Seismic Imaging: By monitoring seismic waves in different locations, scientists construct a model of Earth's interior, revealing liquid and solid layers. This type of seismic imaging helps to confirm the existence of a liquid outer core.
3. Geothermal Heat Flow: The temperature of the interior can be estimated by studying how the Earth's interior has cooled since its formation. Based on this, it is clear that something is keeping the interior hot. The answer lies in the radioactive decay of primordial elements present during the Earth's formation.

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