Earth Science: Layers and Minerals

What primarily composes the innermost layer of the Earth?

Which of the following best describes the process of convection currents in the mantle?

What is a characteristic of minerals?

How do temperature and pressure change as depth increases in the Earth?

Which of the following is considered indirect evidence for studying the inner layers of the Earth?

Layers of Earth

Earth has layers: crust, mantle, and core
The crust is 20-80 km deep and mainly silica
The mantle is around 2900 km deep, composed of silica and is location of convection currents
The core is 2100 km thick and made of iron and nickel, solid metal
Direct evidence: rock samples
Indirect evidence: seismic waves

Evidence for Earth's Layers

Direct evidence: rock samples
Indirect evidence: seismic waves

Temperature and Pressure in Earth's Layers

Temperature increases as you travel deeper into the Earth
Pressure increases as you travel deeper into the Earth

Convection Currents

Convection currents in the mantle move: hot material rises, cool material sinks
Crust is heated by mantle
Mantle cools by dropping rocks

Minerals

Naturally occurring
Solid
Formed by inorganic processes
Crystal structure
Definite chemical composition
Over 5,000 different types
Crystals form from evaporation
Have uniform properties, composition, and density

Rocks

Compositions
Colors
Textures
Origins
Made of minerals
Three main forms (made of grains or mixtures of minerals)
Combination of 20 substances

Explore the fascinating layers of Earth, from the crust to the core, and understand the evidence supporting their existence. This quiz covers the temperature and pressure variations within these layers and the role of convection currents. Additionally, learn about the characteristics and formation of minerals found within the Earth.