Inge Lehmann
Definition
Inge Lehmann was a Danish seismologist who made significant contributions to our understanding of the Earth's interior. She was the first person to discover the inner core of the Earth, and she also made important discoveries about the Earth's mantle and crust.
Lehmann was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1888. She studied physics and mathematics at the University of Copenhagen, and she received her PhD in 1925.
After graduating, Lehmann worked as a seismologist at the Danish Geodetic Institute. She studied earthquake waves and used them to map the interior of the Earth.
In 1936, Lehmann noticed that some earthquake waves were refracted, or bent, as they passed through the Earth's interior. This could only happen if the Earth's inner core was solid.
Lehmann's discovery was a major breakthrough in seismology. It helped scientists to better understand the structure of the Earth and its evolution. Lehmann's work also helped to confirm the theory of plate tectonics, which is the prevailing model for the Earth's surface.
Lehmann was a pioneer in seismology and a role model for women in science. She was awarded the William Bowie Medal in 1968, the highest honour in seismology. She died in 1993 at the age of 104.
How can the word be used?
In 1929, Inge Lehmann published a paper in which she proposed the existence of a solid inner core of the Earth.
Different forms of the word
There are no different forms of the word "Inge Lehmann". It is a proper noun that refers to a Danish seismologist who discovered the inner core of the Earth.
Etymology
The name "Inge Lehmann" is of Danish origin. The first element, "Inge", is a feminine given name that is derived from the Old Norse word "Ing", which means "god of fertility". The second element, "Lehmann", is a surname that is derived from the Middle Low German word "lehne", which means "bench" or "support".
The name "Inge Lehmann" was first recorded in the 13th century. It was the name of a Danish noblewoman who was the wife of a Danish knight. The name became more common in Denmark in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Question
What is Inge Lehmann famous for?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Discuss the contributions of Inge Lehmann to the field of seismology and geophysics, highlighting her groundbreaking discovery of the Earth's inner core and its significance in advancing our understanding of Earth's structure and seismic activity.
Answer:
Inge Lehmann was a pioneering scientist in the field of seismology and geophysics, known for her revolutionary discovery of the Earth's inner core. Her work has had a profound impact on our understanding of Earth's structure and seismic behaviour.
Lehmann's breakthrough came in 1936 when she analysed seismic data from earthquakes to observe that seismic waves behaved unexpectedly as they passed through Earth's core. Her observations led her to propose the existence of a solid inner core within the Earth's molten outer core.
This discovery was groundbreaking because, until then, the prevailing belief was that the Earth's core was a single, entirely liquid region. Lehmann's findings challenged this notion and laid the foundation for our modern understanding of the Earth's layered structure.
The significance of Lehmann's work extends beyond her discovery. Her insights into the Earth's inner core provided essential information about the planet's composition, dynamics, and geological processes. This knowledge is invaluable for seismologists studying earthquake behaviour and for geophysicists investigating the Earth's internal processes.
Inge Lehmann's legacy continues to inspire scientists and contributes to ongoing research in seismology and geophysics. Her dedication to unravelling the mysteries of our planet's interior has left an indelible mark on our scientific understanding and exploration of Earth's structure and behaviour.