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← Earth & Natural SystemsA seismic station detects weak P-waves in the shadow zone. Which mechanism explains why these waves can still be detected at this location?
A)Surface wave constructive interference
B)S-wave conversion to P-wave
C)Direct propagation through mantle
D)Refraction at the core-mantle boundary✓
💡 Explanation
P-waves are refracted at the core-mantle boundary due to the change in density and composition. This refraction bends the waves, allowing some to reach the shadow zone, rather than all waves being completely blocked. Therefore, core-mantle boundary refraction explains wave detection.
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