Seismology studies seismic waves caused by earthquakes and provides information about the Earth’s structure and activities. Seismologists use seismographs to detect and amplify ground movements and study P and S waves to obtain valuable information about earthquakes. Seismology has revealed seismic centers and developed the theory of plate tectonics. Seismologists hope to one day control earthquakes through their knowledge and tools.
Seismology is the study of seismic waves, which can also be called shock waves. A seismic wave is energy that moves through the Earth as a result of an earthquake. Seismology is a branch of geophysics. This branch of science can be useful in providing information about earthquakes, the structure of the Earth and the activities that occur in the inner layers of the Earth.
Scientists who study in the field of seismology are called seismologists. They are usually interested in learning about earthquakes and their impact on the Earth. By studying current seismic activity and past seismic activity, many hope to be able to predict and perhaps even control future earthquakes.
Some seismic waves can be felt by people on the earth’s surface and some are not. Those that can be sensed often cause harm and sometimes death. Seismologists use special tools in their work called seismographs. These machines record seismic waves. They are usually able to detect and amplify the slightest ground movements.
The study of seismology generally involves two types of shock waves. There are thrust waves, also known as P waves, that occur when an internal structure of the Earth moves forward. Then, there are torsion waves, often called S-waves, which result when particles are twisted between free-flowing internal structures. Accessing characteristics such as the time and speed of these waves can allow seismologists to obtain valuable information such as the distance or severity of an earthquake.
Seismology is credited with revealing many important things that people currently know about Earth. There are areas, for example, that are considered seismic centers, i.e. where earthquakes are believed to occur. All of these are believed to have been carefully identified and mapped.
Strong theories such as that of plate tectonics have been developed. The theory of plate tectonics states that the earth’s crust is made up of numerous large and small plates. Earthquakes are believed to occur where these plates move past each other.
Seismology is also credited with providing people with an accurate knowledge base about the inner layers of the Earth. Each of the layers of the Earth, for example, has been identified and named. Their distances from the surface were also recorded.
The knowledge gained through seismology and the tools used are important for more than just gathering information. On several occasions, scientists have been able to predict an impending earthquake. Now, many seismologists recreate earthquakes in the hope that one day their knowledge and tools will provide solutions that can control these natural events.
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