What Does Seismic Discontinuity Mean?

When an earthquake occurs the seismic waves (P and S waves) spread out in all directions through the Earth's interior. ... Sudden jumps in seismic velocities across a boundary are known as seismic discontinuities.

What causes seismic discontinuities?

each major division of the Earth's interior is marked by a seismic discontinuity which is caused by either a phase or a &hemica1 change at that depth. Let us first assume that the &mic discontinuity is caused by a phase change.

What happens to a seismic wave at a discontinuity?

In geology the word "discontinuity" is used for a surface at which seismic waves change velocity. One of these surfaces exists at an average depth of 8 kilometers beneath the ocean basin and at an average depth of about 32 kilometers beneath the continents. At this discontinuity, seismic waves accelerate.