Question

What is a discontinuity in geology?

Answer 1

A discontinuity in geotechnical engineering (in geotechnical literature often denoted by joint) is a plane or surface that marks a change in physical or chemical characteristics in a soil or rock mass. ... A discontinuity makes a soil or rock mass anisotropic.

Answer 2

Discontinuities are the boundaries in the earth which indicate difference in velocity in seismic wave.

Explanation:

• Discontinuity is a geological term.
• Discontinuities can be defined as the boundaries inside the earth.
• These boundaries are marked by the abrupt changes in the seismic waves.

• There are basically five types of discontinuities.They are:-

1. Conrad Dicontinuity
2. Mohorovicic Discontinuity
3. Repetti Discontinuity
4. Gutenberg Discontinuity
5. Lehmann Discontinuity

• Conrad Discontinuity: It lies between that lies between transition  zone between the SIAL and SIMA.
• Mohorovicic Discontinuity: It lies between transition zone between the crust  and Mantle.  
• Repetti Discontinuity: It is the transition zone that lies between outer mantle and inner mantle.  
• Gutenberg Discontinuity: It is the transition zone between the mantle and core.  
• Lehman Discontinuity: It is the transition zone between the outer core and inner core.