Modeling the interior of the Earth using Seismic Waves

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Author:

Carleton College Science Education Resource Center, Dusty Wilson, Eric M. D. Baer, Tina Ostrander

Subject:

Science and Technology

Institution Name:

SERC

Collection:

DLESE Community Service Center (SERC)

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Abstract:

This is an inquiry-based student exercise designed to explore how we use seismic waves to understand the structure of the Earth's interior. Students test several models of the interior of the Earth beginning with a simple homogeneous Earth and moving toward more complex multi-layered Earth models. The ultimate goal involves student generation of a model that reproduces actual measured seismic travel times as closely as possible. The activity is appropriate for an introductory level geoscience course. Learning goals, context for use, teaching tips, materials, assessment tips and related resources are provided.

Course Type:

Learning Module

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Activities and Labs

Media Format:

Text/HTML

Conditions of Use:

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0