Epäjatkuvuuskerrokset

Epäjatkuvuuskerrokset, often translated as discontinuities or discontinuity layers, are geological terms referring to boundaries or interfaces within the Earth's crust or mantle where significant changes in physical properties occur. These changes can include variations in rock type, density, seismic velocity, temperature, or chemical composition.

These layers are not always sharp, distinct lines but can be zones of transition spanning several meters to kilometers. They are often formed by geological processes such as volcanic activity, tectonic plate movement, or the intrusion of magma. The presence of epäjatkuvuuskerrokset plays a crucial role in understanding the Earth's internal structure and dynamics.

Seismic waves, generated by earthquakes or artificial sources, travel through the Earth and reflect or refract at these discontinuities. By analyzing these seismic wave patterns, geologists can map the locations and characteristics of epäjatkuvuuskerrokset, providing insights into the composition and state of matter deep within the planet. Examples include the Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho), which marks the boundary between the Earth's crust and the upper mantle, and the Gutenberg discontinuity, separating the mantle from the outer core. The study of these layers is fundamental to seismology and geophysics.