How do we know what is at the center of the earth? Detailed answer

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How do we know what is at the center of the earth? Detailed answer

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How do we know what is at the center of the earth?

Since scientists (even with the help of instruments) cannot penetrate very deep into the bowels of the Earth, they are forced to use other methods to study its internal content. One of these methods is the study of volcanic eruptions. They eject hot gases and molten rocks to the surface, which indicates that the interior of the Earth is very hot.

Another method is the study of earthquakes. The waves generated during earthquakes create an X-ray image of the Earth's interior. When an earthquake occurs, various types of vibrations propagate in all directions through the rocks. These waves are called seismic waves. They travel through different materials at different speeds, and their direction changes as they go from one type of rock to another.

By studying these waves with very sensitive instruments, scientists can find out what is inside the Earth. They noticed that at a depth of 2880 km there is a sharp change in the direction of seismic waves. Some types of waves change direction, others are completely extinguished. Therefore, at this depth there must be a change in the material. Shock waves from an earthquake reach different seismic stations at different times. This is partly due to the material through which the waves travel. This is another clue to what is inside the Earth.

Here is just a brief answer to the question of what is inside the Earth: the top layer, the crust, is made up of solid rocks. Its thickness is about 48 km under the continents and 5 km under the oceans. Under the crust is the mantle, which also consists of solid rocks. It goes deep into 2880 km. The inner part of the Earth is the core. There is an outer liquid core, mainly composed of molten iron and nickel, inside which is an inner solid metal core, its diameter is about 2560 km.

Author: Likum A.

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Breathing easier in the Carboniferous 10.06.2000

Why aren't there ants the size of dogs? Because insects do not have lungs in which the blood is saturated with oxygen, and then carries it throughout the body.

Insects are supplied with oxygen by "forced ventilation": thin air tubes-tracheas fit all organs, and even individual cells. Of these, oxygen diffuses into the tissues. This inefficient way of breathing prevents insects from becoming larger than 10-15 centimeters.

However, the imprints of giant dragonflies in coal seams have long been known. Their wingspan was 50-70 centimeters, like a fairly large aircraft model. How could such giants breathe? Robert Berner of Yale University measured the content of certain carbon and sulfur isotopes in Carboniferous deposits. The accumulation of these isotopes depends on the concentration of oxygen in the air.

According to Berner's calculations, 250-350 million years ago, the Earth's atmosphere contained 35 percent oxygen instead of the current 21 percent. Therefore, huge insects could exist.

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