Tell Me Why
How Do You Know What Is Inside the Center of the Earth?There is no specific method or definite means that can be used to know what is inside the Earth. But scientists resorted to the method of studying volcanic eruptions, since these eruptions coming out from inside the Earth are made of hot gases and hot solid rocks. This is evidence of the high temperature inside the Earth.
There is another method, which is the study of earthquakes. The waves of an earthquake give us a picture of the X-rays found inside the Earth.
When an earthquake occurs, different types of vibrations spread in all directions and through rocks. These waves resulting from vibrations are called seismic waves. Each material inside the Earth has a different speed, and its direction changes while it moves from one rock to another.
In order for scientists to be able to know what is inside the Earth, they must study these waves using very precise instruments. Experiments carried out to a depth of 1,800 miles have shown that there is a sudden change, and this happens through the transmission of seismic waves. If the wave changes in its type and direction from one place to another, this change can indicate to scientists the material found at that depth.
The wavelength in an earthquake reaches different seismic locations at different times, suddenly and gradually, through the materials through which the wave travels. Thus, we have a key to solving the mystery of the materials found inside the Earth. Here we present a brief picture of the contents of the Earth.
At the top, there is the crust, which is made of solid rock. Its thickness is about 20 to 30 miles under the continents, and about 2 miles under the oceans.
Under the crust comes the mantle, which is also made of solid rock and extends downward about 1,800 miles. As for the deepest part of the Earth, it is the core, composed of iron and nickel. Inside it there is also an inner core made of solid metals, with a diameter of 1,600 miles.
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