* Crust: P waves travel relatively fast through the solid crust.
* Mantle: They continue to travel through the solid mantle, though they slow down somewhat.
* Outer core: P waves slow down significantly as they enter the liquid outer core.
* Inner core: P waves speed up again as they enter the solid inner core.
However, it's important to note that P waves change their speed and direction as they transition between these layers. This is because each layer has a different density and composition.
These changes in speed and direction are what allow seismologists to study the Earth's interior. By analyzing the arrival times and paths of P waves from earthquakes, they can create a detailed picture of what lies beneath our feet.
