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Axi-symmetric Earth models and inner-core anisotropy

Abstract

Seismic waves passing through the middle of the Earth travel slightly faster in a N – S direction than in an E – W direction. A comparison of travel times for different P-wave phases shows that most of this anomaly is within the inner core, and that uniform anisotropy of the inner core is the most likely cause.

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Shearer, P., Toy, K. & Orcutt, J. Axi-symmetric Earth models and inner-core anisotropy. Nature 333, 228–232 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/333228a0

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