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Because as they travel through the earth, the density of the material through which they are travelling will vary. This causes the speed of the wave to change which in turn results in a process known as refraction where the waves direction of propagation changes. As the density of the material in the earth continually increases with depth due to the increasing overburden pressure, the speed of the seismic waves will continuousy change with depth leading to continuous small changes in propogation direction which leads to the formation of a curved propagation path.

Geophysicists make use of this phenomenon to estimate the density and structure of the interior of the earth.

For more information, please see the related links.

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What causes wind to follow a curved path over earth's surface?

The Coriolis force, a result of the earth's rotation, causes wind to follow a curved path over the earth's surface. As air moves across the rotating earth, its direction is deflected, causing winds to veer to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This causes the curved paths of winds commonly observed on the earth's surface.


What is the influence of earth's rotation causing winds to travel a long distance to curve?

Earth's rotation causes a phenomenon known as the Coriolis effect, which deflects moving objects (like air masses) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection leads to the curved paths followed by winds as they travel long distances. The Coriolis effect is a key factor in shaping global wind patterns and the circulation of the atmosphere.


What evidence do we have to prove that their are layers inside the earth?

We have evidence from seismic waves that travel through the Earth, revealing variations in density and composition that indicate different layers. Additionally, studies of meteorites and rocks from deep within the Earth's mantle provide further evidence of distinct layers within the planet. Magnetic field studies and observations of volcanic activity also support the idea of layered structures within the Earth.


Describe the evidence used for subdividing Earth's interior into layers?

The evidence includes seismic waves, which travel at different speeds and paths through Earth's interior. By analyzing how these waves behave, scientists have determined that Earth has distinct layers such as the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. Other evidence comes from the study of meteorites, which provide insight into the composition of Earth's layers.


What is the geological opposite of meander?

The geological opposite of a meander is a straight channel. Straight channels have linear paths with minimal curves, unlike meandering channels which have winding, curved paths.

Related Questions

By which process does starlight travel through space?

Starlight travels through space in straight lines at the speed of light. It can be affected by the gravitational pull of massive objects, causing it to follow curved paths around them, a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing.


Why do surface currents travel in curved paths around the earth?

Two main reasonsthe surface of the earth is not smooth so currents have to travel in curved paths to get around obstaclesCoriolis forces - because of the huge distances involved the differences of forces due to the changes in the circumference of the earth at different latitudes causes currents to curve even if they are trying to travel in a straight line. Note: it takes huge distances - on the order of miles - to see any effect from Coriolis forces (- despite the urban folklore out there about drains swirling different directions in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Hint - they don't) Unless your sink or toilet is miles across, you won't be seeing Coriolis forces determining the direction of swirl as they drain.


What causes currents to move in curved paths instead of straight lines?

Earth's rotation causes the water to move in a curve; this is a manifestation of The Coriolis force.


Does a tornado travel straight?

Tornadoes do not usually travel in a straight line. They can change direction and speed rapidly, making them unpredictable and dangerous. Tornado paths are often characterized by erratic and twisting movements as they move across the landscape.


How does the Coriolis effect impact the flight paths of planes?

The Coriolis effect causes the rotation of the Earth to deflect the path of moving objects, including planes. This effect influences the direction of winds and can result in curved flight paths for planes traveling long distances. Pilots must account for this when planning routes to ensure efficient and safe travel.


What causes wind to follow a curved path over earth's surface?

The Coriolis force, a result of the earth's rotation, causes wind to follow a curved path over the earth's surface. As air moves across the rotating earth, its direction is deflected, causing winds to veer to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This causes the curved paths of winds commonly observed on the earth's surface.


What are the two paths water can travel?

Water can travel on the earth's surface through runoff, which flows into streams and rivers, eventually making its way to the ocean. It can also infiltrate the ground and become groundwater, moving through soil layers and aquifers before resurfacing through springs or being extracted through wells.


How the earth rotation affects the pattern of surface currents?

It causes the currents to move in curved paths instead of going in a straight line, which is known a the Coriolis effect.


Why do s waves and p waves curved paths?

Because as they travel through the earth, the density of the material through which they are travelling will vary. This causes the speed of the wave to change which in turn results in a process known as refraction where the waves direction of propagation changes. As the density of the material in the earth continually increases with depth due to the increasing overburden pressure, the speed of the seismic waves will continuousy change with depth leading to continuous small changes in propogation direction which leads to the formation of a curved propagation path. Geophysicists make use of this phenomenon to estimate the density and structure of the interior of the earth. For more information, please see the related links.


Why do p wave and s waves follow curved paths?

gravity


Why do wind currents move in curved paths?

Because of the Coriolis Effect


Which conclusion is supported by studies of earthquake waves passing through Earth?

Studies of earthquake waves passing through Earth support the conclusion that the Earth has distinct layers with varying densities and composition. This is because seismic waves travel at different speeds and paths as they move through different layers, providing information about the internal structure of the Earth.