How do seismic waves travel through the Earth's interior, and what do they reveal about its internal structure?

Seismic waves travel through the Earth’s interior by propagating through different layers, including the crust, mantle, and core. Primary waves (P-waves) are compressional and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, while secondary waves (S-waves) are shear waves and only travel through solids. By analyzing the speed, direction, and refraction of these waves, scientists can infer the composition, density, and state of Earth’s internal layers, revealing a layered structure with a solid crust, a viscous mantle, a liquid outer core, and a solid inner core.

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