Seismic Waves

Scientists use seismic waves during earthquakes to gather information about what our planet is

 made of. Waves travel at different speeds as they move through layers of various densities. 

This indirect evidence leads us to believe that our planet is made of distinct layers, each with its own unique characteristics.  Shaky Science: Build a Seismograph - Scientific American

Seismograph/Seismometer 

IU Seismograph Station: Centers, Labs, & Resources: Research: Department of  Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Indiana University Bloomington