You are studying the seismic data from Mars when you notice that there are no S-waves recorded from 130° through 180° on the opposite side of the planet.What does this information tell you about the interior of Mars?
A) There is a layer of solid material in the interior of Mars.
B) There is a layer of liquid material in the interior of Mars.
C) There is a layer with a higher-velocity material than the crust below.
D) There is a layer with a lower-velocity material than the crust below.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The absence of S-waves in a certain region of the planet indicates the presence of a liquid layer in the interior of Mars. S-waves cannot pass through liquids, so the fact that they are absent in this region suggests that there is a layer of liquid material preventing their transmission.

You Are Studying the Seismic Data from Mars When You