How are seismic waves used to determine the position and thickness of Earth\'s i

Question

How are seismic waves used to determine the position and thickness of Earth's interior layers?

Lower density layers will increase the velocity of seismic waves.

Which of the following scenarios would be most likely to result in decompression melting?

Dense rock layers will slow the velocity of seismic waves and allow them to pass straight through with no deflection. Dense rock layers will allow seismic waves to pass straight through them. Dense interior layers will increase the velocity of seismic waves and change their direction through refraction. Dense rock layers will increase the velocity of seismic waves.

Lower density layers will increase the velocity of seismic waves.

Which of the following scenarios would be most likely to result in decompression melting?

burial of old rocks beneath younger sedimentary layers separation of tectonic plates along a divergent boundary collision of tectonic plates along a convergent boundary Water boiled from subducting oceanic crust results in melting. increasing the surrounding temperature

Explanation / Answer

1.Because of the increasing pressure, materials are more dense towards the core, travel velocity of seismic waves increases.

All waves change direction when they pass through layers of different density(refraction). Refraction of seismic waves causes them to curve away from a direct path. We can determine position of different layers of interior of the earth. So the answer is option 3.

2.The process of decompression melting involves the upward movement of the earth's mantle to an area of lower pressure. The reduction in overlying pressure enables the rock to melt, leading to magma formation. Magma is formed by the melting of the earth's mantle. So, underneath mid ocean ridges, the mantle is upwelling, causing decompression melting to occur.

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