Determine size of planet's core by distance S-waves travel

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the size and nature of a planet's core based on the travel distance of S-waves detected after a seismic event. With a planet radius of 5000 km and S-waves detected at -60 degrees latitude after 24 minutes, it is established that S-waves cannot penetrate liquid, indicating a solid core. The travel of S-waves to -60 degrees suggests the core may be off-center, prompting further investigation into seismic wave behavior and planetary core structures.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of seismic wave types, specifically S-waves
  • Knowledge of planetary geology and core composition
  • Familiarity with seismic network setup and data interpretation
  • Basic principles of wave refraction through different density layers
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of S-waves and their behavior in different materials
  • Study seismic wave refraction and its implications for planetary core structure
  • Explore methods for determining core size using seismic data
  • Investigate the concept of off-center planetary cores and their geological significance
USEFUL FOR

Geophysicists, planetary scientists, and researchers interested in seismic analysis and planetary core studies will benefit from this discussion.

scatterbrain8
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You are visiting a new planet with radius of 5000km. You set up a seismic network and detonate a test chare at the north pole at time T=0. At time T=24minutes your instruments detect S-waves at a latitude of -60 degrees. No S-waves are detected south of -60 degrees.

what is the size and nature of the planet's core?


So, I know S-waves can't penetrate liquid, but they do not travel linearly because they refract through different density layers. However, I don't understand why the S-waves travel all the way down to -60 degrees. Can a planet have a core that is off center? I don't really know where to start, any help would be appreciated
 
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