Question:

At what depth from the earth's surface, the Gutenberg Discontinuity is positioned in the interior of the earth?

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The Gutenberg Discontinuity is the boundary that separates the earth's mantle from the outer core.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • 3900 km
  • 2900 km
  • 1900 km
  • 900 km
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
The Gutenberg Discontinuity is the boundary that separates the earth's mantle from the outer core. It is identified by a sudden change in seismic wave behaviour, where P-waves slow down and S-waves stop because the outer core is liquid.

Step 1:
The earth's interior is divided into crust, mantle and core. The boundary between crust and mantle is the Mohorovicic (Moho) discontinuity, while the boundary between the mantle and the core is the Gutenberg discontinuity.

Step 2:
The mantle extends to a depth of about 2900 km below the surface, and below this lies the core. Hence the Gutenberg discontinuity is located at roughly 2900 km depth.

Answer: Option (2) — 2900 km.
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