× Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask a question
Top Posters
Since Sunday
e
5
e
4
4
d
4
o
3
p
3
t
3
3
m
3
p
3
m
3
f
3
Home Q & A Board Biology-Related Homework Help Environmental and Conservation Biology
New Topic  
unistudentguy unistudentguy
wrote...
Posts: 551
Rep: 0 0
6 years ago

Why do we know that the geothermal gradient near the surface cannot continue very deeply into
  Earth? What will be an ideal response?




Q. 2 -

What is Earth's average density, what are the average surface rock densities, and what does this tell us
  about the interior of Earth? What will be an ideal response?




Q. 3 - What evidence do scientists use to estimate the density and composition of the core? What will be an ideal response?


Q. 4 - Why are the paths of seismic waves curved? What will be an ideal response?
Read 40 times
2 Replies

Related Topics

Replies
wrote...
#1
6 years ago
(Answer to question 1 )  

If the geothermal gradient near the surface continued at depth, the temperature at only 100 km depth
would be so high that all known rocks would melt despite the high pressure.



(Answer to question 2 )  

Earth's average density is 5.5 g/cm3, surface rocks range between 2.5 and 3.0 g/cm3, and, therefore, the
interior must be denser than the crust.



(Answer to question 3 )  

The composition of the core is estimated by studying the composition of meteorites, information from
seismic waves, laboratory experiments, and Earth's density.



(Answer to question 4 )  Density and elasticity vary with depth, causing the waves to be continually refracted.
unistudentguy Author
wrote...
#2
6 years ago
White Checkmark
New Topic      
Quick Reply
Explore
Post your homework questions and get free online help from our incredible volunteers
  953 People Browsing
 118 Signed Up Today
Start New Topic Take the Tour CoursesNew Study Tools Topics Trending Browse by Textbook
Live Chat
Related Images
  
 172
  
 685
  
 600
Your Opinion
Do you believe in global warming?
Votes: 395
Previous poll results: Which industry do you think artificial intelligence (AI) will impact the most?