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This is caused by the density variations in the earth which cause the velocity of seismic waves to change as they move between them which in turn causes refraction of the waves.

Further to this, the earth's outer core is a liquid which prevents seismic S-waves from travelling through it. This leads to a zone on the opposite side of the earth from an earthquake where S-waves are not detected.

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15y ago

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What is the difference in spreading center earthquakes and subduction zone?

Spreading center earthquakes are always shallow, subduction zone earthquakes can be very deep.Spreading center earthquakes are typically of lower magnitude than subduction zone earthquakes.


Which area of earth is unaffected by both p and s waves?

The shadow zone, located at a distance of 103 to 143 degrees from the earthquake epicenter, is the area on Earth's surface where both P and S waves are completely absorbed and do not arrive due to the core's properties.


Why no seismic waves detected at the shadow zone?

In shadow zone, seismograph does not record signals. For P-wave it is b/w 104-145 degress.These earthquake waves exhibit same properties as other waves like reflection, refraction etc.As core has denser matter so P-waves will bend inward and hences they will form a shadow zone. S-waves don't pass through liquid phase, core. So, shadow zone is larger here.


What does the shadow zone tell scientists about the earth's core?

the shadow zone is a result of the core stopping


What is an inactive zone?

An active zone is where earthquakes happen and inactive is where they don't.


What is a earthquake zone?

a place were earthquakes are found


Does a primary seismic wave have a larger shadow zone than a secondary wave?

no, an s-wave shadow zone is way larger


Why would the shadow zone of an earthquake in japan be different from the shadow zone of an earthquake in California?

depends on the focus and epicenter depends on the focus and epicenter


What is a shadow zone in Metroid prime hunters?

i finished the game, and never once did i ever come across anything called a shadow zone


Why do S waves not come to the surface beyond the shadow zone?

S waves do not pass through Earth's liquid outer core, which causes a shadow zone on the opposite side of the Earth from an earthquake. The liquid outer core absorbs and blocks S waves, preventing them from reaching the surface beyond the shadow zone.


Where is the shadow Zone?

It depends on where the earthquake occurs.


How do you compare the epicenter and the shadow zone?

There no way.