Question

Scientists have concluded that the uppermost part of the mantle is partially-molten. Which observation helped them reach this conclusion?

Answer 1

Answer:

 P and S waves slow down when they reach this layer. The asthenosphere, also known as the magma chamber, is the uppermost component of the mantle. This layer is partially molten and is a ductile zone in a tectonically poor state.

It's almost hard and seismic waves move through the asthenosphere at a slow rate. The fragile lithosphere and the uppermost portion of the asthenosphere are assumed to be rigid.

seismic waves travel more quickly through denser materials and therefore generally travel more quickly with the depth it moves more slowly through a liquid than a solid. Molten areas within the Earth slow down P waves and stop S waves because their shearing motion cannot be transmitted through a liquid. Partially molten areas may slow down the P waves and attenuate or weaken S waves.

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