Mohorovicic discontinuity

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Definition

Noun: - The boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle: A distinct seismic discontinuity marking the transition from the Earth's crust to the denser mantle rock beneath it. It is characterized by a sharp increase in the speed of seismic waves.

Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Scientists study seismic waves to determine the depth of the Mohorovicic discontinuity.
    • The depth of the Mohorovicic discontinuity varies significantly between oceanic and continental regions.
Advanced Usage
  • "The Moho": A common abbreviated term for the Mohorovicic discontinuity, used informally in geology and geophysics.
    • Drilling to reach the Moho has been a long-standing ambition in earth sciences.
Variants and Related Words
  • Moho (n): The abbreviated, informal name for the Mohorovicic discontinuity.
  • Discontinuity (n): In geology, a general term for any boundary between different layers of the Earth where seismic wave velocities change abruptly.
Synonyms
  • Crust-mantle boundary: A descriptive synonym.
  • Moho: The standard abbreviated synonym.
Related Terms
  • Seismic discontinuity: A broader category of boundaries within the Earth detected by changes in seismic wave speed, which includes the Mohorovicic discontinuity.
  • Conrad discontinuity: A lesser seismic boundary within the Earth's crust, distinct from and above the Mohorovicic discontinuity.
Noun
  1. the boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle
    • the Mohorovicic discontinuity averages 5 miles down under oceans and 20 miles down under continents

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