Seismic tomography worksheets for Grade 10 Science explore how seismologists use earthquake waves and seismic network observations to investigate Earth’s crust and mantle without drilling. Students examine how P-waves and S-waves behave differently, how seismic paths respond to changing material properties, and how recorded wave information can be transformed into models of Earth’s interior.

From seismic waves to interior structure

The reading passage develops the connection between P-wave and S-wave travel, seismic travel times, attenuation, and tomography. Students consider why P-waves can travel through solids, liquids, and gases while S-waves travel only through solids. They also examine how wave paths bend through materials with different elastic properties and how scattering and absorption affect amplitude and waveform characteristics.

The resource then moves from observations to interpretation. Students explore how an iterative seismic tomography model adjusts wave speeds in small cells to match observed data. They interpret higher and lower seismic velocities in relation to temperature, composition, partial melt, and solid mineral phases, while connecting velocity patterns to features such as subduction slabs and mantle plumes.

Activities and assessment

Students work through multiple-choice questions, true-or-false statements, brief written responses, a concept-matching activity, a cloze passage, and an extended response. Tasks require students to explain hypocentre location using P-wave and S-wave arrival times, reason about multiple possible causes of velocity anomalies, and distinguish subduction slabs from mantle plumes using tomography patterns.

The extended response brings the concepts together by asking students to explain how seismological observations become images of crustal and mantle structure. Students must connect wave behavior, travel times, attenuation, velocity variations, and interpretations involving temperature, composition, phase changes, tectonic features, or hypocentre location.

What is included

• ✔️ Student worksheet covering seismic waves, tomography, attenuation, velocity anomalies, and seismic networks
• ✔️ Separate PDF answer key for checking responses
• ✔️ Student Notes & Lesson Summary supplement for reinforcing key ideas
• ✔️ Separate Teacher Guide with Learning Objectives, Teaching Tips, Discussion Questions, and Common Mistakes

Classroom use

This Earth and Space Systems worksheet can support direct instruction, guided reading, independent practice, review, or written assessment. The sequence moves from foundational P-wave and S-wave behavior to evidence-based interpretation of seismic tomography, giving students repeated opportunities to connect observations with models of Earth’s interior.

Students finish by applying the full chain of reasoning: earthquake observations provide seismic measurements; travel times, attenuation, and waveform characteristics constrain models; and spatial variations in seismic velocity provide evidence for differences within Earth’s crust and mantle. The accompanying notes and teacher materials provide additional support for instruction and discussion.