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Seismic waves – WJECThe S wave shadow zone

Earthquakes produce shockwaves called seismic waves. These waves can be detected using seismographs. Some seismic waves are surface waves, while others can travel through the Earth.

Part of Physics (Single Science)Electricity, energy and waves

The S wave shadow zone

The S wave shadow zone is the area of the Earth’s surface where S waves are not detected following an earthquake. This shadow zone has led geologists to a model of the Earth with a solid mantle and a liquid core. From the diagram, we can see the region where S waves are not detected. Geologists have been able to calculate the size of the liquid core from these measurements.

Diagram showing the curved path of S waves through the Earth. They travel through the mantle but cannot pass through the liquid outer core.