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We bounce things (like sound or radio waves) off the various materials that make up the earth's layers and by carefully observing the waves that reflect back to us, we can determine the composition and motion within each layer.

The details of the earth's core are only theoretical, because we can't penetrate with any detail at that level. However, we "know" that it's made of something heavy, liquid, and magnetic, because we observe that there is a magnetic feild originating from the core. This is what protects us from harmful solar radiation and what makes compasses work!

Oh, and every once in a while, the poles of that field spontaneously reverse themselves in an inexplicable event that may or may not be catastrophic for life on the earth.

Cheers!

2007-02-25 10:51:39 · answer #1 · answered by Argon 3 · 1 0

Eathquakes produce different kinds of waves.

P waves (or compressional waves that are similar to sound - the wave fluctuates parallel to the direction of propagation)

S waves (or sheer waves that are similar to a stone on a pond - the wave fluctuates perpendicular to the direction of propagation).

These waves travel through the Earth the different parts of the Earth at different speeds, are reflected in different way and absorbed in different ways.

Seismologists can analyze these known and predictable properties of P and S waves to determine the inner structure of the Earth. It doesn't mean its perfect, but it does give an accurate idea of large scale structure.

2007-02-25 11:45:47 · answer #2 · answered by Justin 5 · 0 0

p and s waves react otherwise whilst passing by distinctive cloth. p and s waves are produced by earth quakes and are recorded by sensors all around the earth in interpreting the time it takes to succeed especially stations and which waves attain you may enhance a type of the earth in terms of density and fluid behavoiur. you vcan bypass into great intensity with pkkk and pikik waves etc yet im particular it extremely is greater better to what you like

2016-11-25 23:03:39 · answer #3 · answered by remeika 4 · 0 0

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