Question

Geoscientists are quite certain that the outer core of the Earth is liquid. What evidence supports this?

Answer 1

Answer:

The seismic waves released by earthquakes provide scientists with several forms of measurable evidence that supports the idea of the Earth's outer core being liquid. Two particular types of waves, compressional waves and shear waves -- known commonly as P-waves and S-waves, respectively, provide direct evidence.

Answer 2

Geoscientists are quite certain that the outer core of the Earth is liquid because:

• The Earth's core, according to geologists, is primarily composed of iron. The "outer core," or outside section of the center, is supposed to be made of liquid iron. While the "inner core," or inside component of the center, is assumed to be solid iron.
• This idea is supported by two key observations. For starters, "shear waves," which are energy waves, do not flow into the outer core. The Earth also possesses a magnetic field.
• Seismometers are used by geologists to measure the shear signal distributed by earthquakes. Shear waves 'disappear' as they strike the outer core and resurface when they hit the inner core. Consider how much force is required to rub your hands together. Since liquids need not withstand wave distribution, this sliding and shearing force cannot move through them. Shear waves, on the other hand, may move through solids.
• As a result, geologists believe the outer layer is liquid or the core material is solids as shear waves subside somewhere along with the outer core & resurface along with the inner core.