Which seismic body waves cannot pass through Earth's liquid outer core, which creates a shadow zone for them?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. S waves
- Step 1: S waves are shear waves, and liquids cannot support shear, so S waves stop at the liquid outer core. Answer: S waves. Why not the others: P waves are compression waves that travel through solids and liquids, though they are bent at the core, so not both types are blocked, and saying neither is blocked ignores the S-wave shadow zone.
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