Geomorphology 9

• The sun doesnot set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle.

Winter Solstice
• On 22nd December, the Tropic of Capricorn receives direct rays of the sun as the South Pole is tilted toward the sun.
• The sun’s rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Capricorn.
• The sun doesnot set below the horizon at the Antarctic Circle.

Equinoxes
• The equinoxes happen in March (March 21) and September ( September 23).
• These are the days when the Sun is exactly above the Equator, which makes day and night of equal length.
• 23rd September is the Autumn Equinox while 21st March is Spring Equinox.

INTERIOR OF THE EARTH

IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING EARTH’S INTERIOR

• Helps understand the physical
features on the earth
• Helps understand the evolution of
life.
• Helps us explore and extract minerals
and energy
• Helps us understand how and why
Earth’s climate has changed in the
past
• Helps study and understand other
planets in the solar system and distant stars
• Helps understand the earth’s magnetic field.

SEISMIC WAVES
When an earthquake occurs shockwaves of energy, called seismic waves, are released from the earthquake focus.
• Instrument of measurement: seismometer.
Š The seismometer produces a graph called a seismogram which shows these waves.

Types of Seismic Waves

• Body Waves: Originate from inside the earth and travel through different layers of the earth.
• Surface Waves:. Travel on the earth’s surface.
Classification of Body Waves
Primary waves or ‘P’ waves Secondary Waves or ‘S’ Waves:
• P-waves are the first to arrive at the surface. • S-waves arrive at the surface with some
• Fastest-traveling seismic waves- 5 to 14 km per second. time lag Speed lower than P waves,
• Similar to sound waves. around 3.5-7.2 km per second.
• Travel through gaseous, liquid and solid materials. However, their speed is reduced • Can travel only through solid materials
in liquid and gases. • Also called transverse waves/ shear
• Also called compressional waves waves
• When a particle is subjected to P wave, they move in the same direction as the
wave is traveling in.

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