How could you figure out what is inside the Earth?

Use Seismic Waves Waves can: – Absorb – Reflect – Refract Depending on if seismic waves reflect, refract or absorb, we can figure out what materials are in the Earth.

S-waves are absorbed by liquid P-waves are NOT absorbed by liquid P-waves refract when they go from a solid to a liquid

S-waves No S-waves What do you think is in the middle of the Earth, based on the s-waves? Liquid Earthquake focus

Earth’s Layers Inner core: solid. Outer core: liquid. Mantle: “plastic” solid (like silly putty) – Asthenosphere: upper part of the mantel Lithosphere/crust: Solid.

S Wave Shadow Liquid S-waves

S Wave Shadow S-waves Liquid

P-waves Liquid

P Wave Shadow P-waves P Wave Shadow Liquid

summary How do scientist know that the outer core is liquid? How do scientist know that the inner core is solid? Please used the words refraction, P-waves, S- waves