Revise Flashcards
Name the 4 layers of the earth and whether they are solid or liquid
Crust-solid
Mantle-solid
Outer core-liquid
Inner core-solid
What causes seismic waves
Earthquakes
What does the p in p waves stand for
Primary waves
What does the s in S waves stand for
Secondary waves
What is a transverse wave
A transverse wave is a vibrations or oscillations are perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the direction of travel
What is one example of a transverse wave
Light wave
What is a longitudinal wave
A longitudinal wave is a vibration are parallel to the direction of travel
What’s a example of a longitudinal wave
Sound
What is the fastest seismic wave
P waves
What is the slowest seismic wave
Surface wave
Which seismic wave causes the most damage
Surface wave
What can s waves travel through
Solid rock only
Define a transverse wave and state which seismic wave is transverse
Vibrations which are perpendicular to direction of travel and S waves is a transverse wave
Define p waves
P waves are a type of longitudinal seismic wave. They travel through solid liquid rock and are the fastest of the three seismic waves.
Define S waves
Secondary waves are a type of transverse seismic wave. They travel through solid rock only and they are slower than p waves
Define surface waves
Surface waves are a type of longitudinal seismic wave that travel along the earths surface. They are the slowest form of seismic wave. But they are the most destructive
What is lag time and why does it exist
Lag time is the delay between p and S waves arriving at a detecting station. It exists because p waves are faster
What is the outer and inner core of the earth formed of and what properties does it have
The outer and inner core of the earth are formed of molten iron and nickel and has properties of a solid
What layer is the crust on the earth and what is it
The crust is the surface layer of the earth it is relatively thin and rocky.
What layer is the mantle and what properties properties does it have
The mantle is a thick layer of rock below the earths crust. It has the properties of a solid but can flow very slowly
How do Surface waves travel though the earth
Surface waves only travel along the surface
How do p waves travel through the earth
P waves can travel through solid and liquid rock.
How do s waves travel though the earth
S waves can only travel through solid rock not the liquid core.
True or false?
Surface waves travel the fastest
S waves travel on the surface of the earth
S waves are transverse waves
P waves travel through solid and liquids
P waves are longitudinal waves
S waves cause the most damage
False
False
True
True
True
False
State two differences between p and S waves
P waves can travel through both solid and liquid rock , S wave only solid rock. P waves are faster than S waves. And p waves are longitudinal and S waves are transverse
Compare the seismic traces obtained at A B and C explaining any similarities and any differences
A:detects both p and S waves because they can both travel through the solid mantle.
The p wave will be detected first because it’s the fastest there is a time lag between them
B:detects both p and S waves in the same order. The time lag between them will be larger and they will both be detected later because they have traveled further.
C:detects p waves only, because S waves cannot travel through the liquid core.
Station c would detect the waves last because they’ve travelled the furthest. The waves will also have a lower amplitude.
What is a epicentre
The point on the earths surface that is the closest to the origin of the earths earthquakes
What does using station 1 mean
Using station 1 means gives many possible locations
State the difference between surface waves and p and S waves
Surface waves travel along the surface p and S waves travel through the earth
