wave, in the earth sciences: Seismic and Atmospheric Waves

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Encyclopedia—wave, in the earth sciences

Seismic and Atmospheric Waves

Seismic waves are generated in the earth by the movements of earthquakes or explosions. Depending on the material traveled through, surface and internal waves move at variable velocities. Layers of the earth, including the core, mantle, and crust, have been discerned using seismic wave profiles. Seismic waves from explosions have been used to understand the subsurface structure of the crust and upper mantle and in the exploration for oil and gas deposits. Atmospheric waves are caused by differences in temperature, the Coriolis effect, and the influence of highlands.

Sections in this article:

Introduction
Oceanographic Waves
Seismic and Atmospheric Waves

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