Why is it, that science teaches as fact, exactly how the earth is designed inside?

Question

When they have only drilled 7.5 miles deep into a 4000 mile diameter earth. Have only went 7000 feet deep into cave.How can this be taught as fact?

Answer 1

It is *not a fact*, it's just one of the many theories that have been around actually! And this is how school blow the pupils' brains: by preaching theories and models as solid facts - and poor pupils come to believe all that BS!

Answer 2

You have asked an incorrect question. Science observes the facts and theories explain those facts. Seismic waves (from earthquakes) go through the Earth at different velocities. This FACT is explained as density differences in the various layers of the Earth. The FACT is that kimberlite pipes bring up denser mantle material, which correlates well the the explanation that increased density shows increased velocity in rocks. Finally, certain meteorites collected on the Earth, in FACT have different densities. Some are stony meteorites and some are iron-nickel meteorites. These meteorites are believed to have come from a similar terrestrial planet (Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars) that is now the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter). Since the FACT that these meteorites have (about) the same density as the layers of the Earth, as calculated by seismic wave velocities, geophysicists feel confident about teaching the THEORY (an explanation based on FACTS) of the rocks found within the Earth.

Answer 3

We know a lot about Earth's interior, not from direct sampling, but mostly from geophysical data:
1) Variations in seismic wave velocities tell us about different composition and different density layers in Earth's interior
2) Reflection and refraction of seismic waves off of different layers
3) P-wave and S-wave shadow zones tell us that the outer core is liquid
4) the presence of Earth's magnetic field indicates that we have an iron core
5) gravity measurements plus measurements of Earth's size and orbital parameters allow us to deduce the mass and density of Earth - this is how we know the core of the Earth is much denser than the mantle and crust, i.e., the core must have a certain size and density to account for Earth's known gravity and orbit and it turns out that and iron-nickle alloy with some lighter elements is a match for that predicted density.
5) finally, samples of iron meteorites, which represent the left-overs from planetary formation are exactly the composition that we predict the core is.

We also have some samples of the mantle that get caught up in some volcanic rocks, and these mantle samples have compositions and densities that agree with all of the other geophysical evidence listed above.

So, what they teach you about the Earth's interior in your high school or college intro-level geology class is pretty much a slam dunk for accuracy.

BTW, the Earth's interior was not "designed" - it just formed that way because it was following all the laws of physics.

Answer 4

Science works by putting together the facts that are known and the experiments that are done into a self-consistent structure.We know the size of the earth by direct measurement. We know the mass by gravitational influence on other bodies. We know the magnetic field. Earthquake waves tell us the structure, including the fact that the core is liquid. The position of earthquakes tell us about the shallow structure. The material that comes up in volcanoes and midocean vents tells us what lies at relatively shallow depths to make up these structures. Seismic reflection gives more detail. Laboratory experiments tell us how known materials behave at high pressures and temperatures. Measurements of heat flowing out from the earth tell us what temperatures to expect as we go deeper. Observed behavior of radioactive materials tell us something of the history of materials exposed on the surface. Since space travel we've been able to extend many of these observations to other planets. Astronomy allows us to observe how many of these processes operate in the rest of the universe.All of these measurements and experiments are cross-checked against each other, the model that is built up has to be consistent with all of them. If more than one explanation will cover the known facts, you report all the known explanations as being possible and try to devise experiments to eliminate some of them. That is, more or less, the process of discovery in science.

Answer 5

Well, at 7miles its already pretty hot as the core is molten. Science is just that science. Facts based on intuitive deduction and evedince. You dont have to "see" the core of the earth to know its molten. No "design" as that implies that someone or something has conciously put things the way they are. You design cars. You design firearms.
You design electronic circuits.
You get what was made when you design something. In the case of the earth, you just live (or die) with what was presented you.

Answer 6

#1: Why else would there be volcanoes and other geological movement?

#2: Using advanced scanners and scientific equipment it is possible to determine the density of the Earth and to test how the crust was formed.

#3: Using highly advanced mathematic formulas taking into account speed travel by a spacecraft, rotation of the Earth and other variables they are able to determine the depth of the Earth across but not necessarily straight through to the other side.

Answer 7

Same reason that it is taught as fact that protons and electrons exist when no-one has ever seen them. Science is based on observations. This does not mean directly looking at your subject only. It means gathering all the verifiable empirical evidence available. In the case of the inside of the earth, much evidence is provided by geophysics.

Answer 8

I completely agree with the first answer, but I would like to add something. This is true for any science class. If they introduced topics as theories, it would be very confusing to young students. It is just simpler to present it as fact. If someone told you something and then said they weren't 100% sure about it, would you listen? Wouldn't it be just a little confusing if you were working with multiple ideas that were just speculation? It would, especially at a young age. In college, they do teach it as just theory, but then you are better equipped to handle it.

Answer 9

through the exploration of caves, and land developements.