What are the layers of the Earth? What are the characteristics ..., Exercises of Earth Sciences

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What are the layers of the

Earth?

What are the characteristics

of each layer?

The Composition of Earth

• The Earth is divided into several layers with different composition and physical properties.
• Composition: Earth’s layers are made of different mixtures of elements.
• Physical Properties: Temperature, density, and viscosity (ability to flow).

The Composition of Earth

• The lightest materials make up the outermost layer. The more dense material make up the inner layer.

The Crust

• Top layer is primarily granite. Bottom layer is primarily basalt.
• Two types of crust: Continental and Oceanic.
• Both layers found under continents.
• Only basalt layer under the oceans.

Continental vs. Oceanic Crust

• Makes up Earth’s continents.
• Thickest layer of the Earth’s crust.
• Least Dense.
• Composition similar to Granite. - Makes up the ocean floor. - Not as thick as continental crust. - More dense than continental crust. - Composition similar to Basalt.

Mantle

• Scientists have been able to examine the molten rock from active ocean volcanoes to gather most information about this layer.
• It is made up mostly of iron and magnesium.
• Temperatures range from 870°C to 2200 °C.

Core

• The core extends from the bottom of the mantle to the center of the Earth.
• Approximately 33% of the Earth’s mass.
• This layer is divided into two parts: the liquid outer core and the solid inner core.

The Mechanical Layers

• The Earth can be divided into five main mechanical layers.
• These five layers are the: Lithosphere, Asthenosphere, Mesosphere, Outer Core, and Inner Core.

Look At My Old Chevy & Isuzu Car.

The Asthenosphere (AT)

• The soft layer of the mantle on which the lithospheric plates move.
• It is made of solid rock like putty that flows very slowly – about the same rate your fingernail grows.

The Mesosphere/Mantle (MY)

• The strong, lower part of the mantle.
• The middle layer.
• Extends to the Earth’s core.

Inner Core (ISUZU CAR)

• 1216 kilometers thick
• Solid (Due to pressure from upper layers.)
• Composed of iron.
• Hotter than the Sun!!

A drilling rig can dig down 6

kilometers. What layer of Earth

would you more than likely be

in?