Final answer:
The question focuses on exploring the ocean floor, specifically related to Earth's layers, seismic-wave travel, and plate tectonics. Seismic surveys are used to analyze subsurface structures, and the study of plate boundaries, especially subduction zones and associated faults, is essential in understanding geological processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the exploration of the ocean floor, and specifically, to the study of Earth's layers and seismic-wave travel times as they relate to the theory of plate tectonics. Scientists use various tools to determine the depths of Earth's internal layers, one of which is seismic surveying.
This technique involves sending sound waves into Earth's interior and recording the reflected waves with geophones to create an image of the subsurface. Different types of plate boundaries, such as rift zones and subduction zones, have distinct characteristics and are critical to understanding geological processes.
Subduction zones feature different types of faults, crucial for comprehending earthquake occurrences and patterns. It is through the analysis of seismic data and the plotting of earthquake foci in relation to trenches that researchers can determine subduction angles and make comparisons between different regions like the Chile-Peru border and central Chile.