Mohorovicic discontinuity | Energy Glossary

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Mohorovicic discontinuity

1. n. [Geology]

The boundary between the crust and the mantle of the Earth, which varies from approximately 5 km [3 miles] under the midoceanic ridges to 75 km [46 miles] deep under the continents. This boundary, commonly called "the Moho," was recognized in 1909 by Croatian seismologist Andrija Mohorovicic on the basis of its abruptly higher compressional wave (P-wave) velocity.

Alternate Form: Moho

See related terms: crustmantlemidoceanic ridge

Diagram of layers of the Earth.
Diagram of layers of the Earth.