Earth Science: Types of Crust

Questions and Answers

What is the approximate thickness of oceanic crust?

70 km

5 km (correct)

40 km

2-5 km

Which material primarily composes continental crust?

Iron

Granite (correct)

Nickel

Basalt

What distinguishes the upper mantle from the lower mantle?

Thickness (correct)

Temperature

Composition

Density

What is the primary phase of the outer core?

Liquid Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the Earth is primarily composed of molten rocks that are in motion?

Upper Mantle Signup and view all the answers

How does the density of Earth's layers generally change with depth?

Increases with depth Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of crust found on Earth?

Oceanic and Continental Signup and view all the answers

What generates heat in the Earth's core?

Radioactive decay of elements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the mantle layer of the Earth?

It has a low viscosity allowing for convection currents. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes the inner core?

It is solid and composed mostly of iron. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes mechanical layers from compositional layers of the Earth?

Compositional layers include crust, mantle, and core, while mechanical layers include lithosphere, asthenosphere, and more. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the outer core of the Earth?

It is a liquid layer that generates Earth's magnetic field. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the properties of the inner core?

It is solid and primarily made of iron and nickel. Signup and view all the answers

What function does the lithosphere serve among the mechanical layers?

It allows for the movement of tectonic plates. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the Earth's crust?

It is the layer where volcanic activity originates. Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the Earth is considered the thickest?

Mantle Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the outer core?

It generates the Earth's magnetic field. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily makes up the inner core of the Earth?

Nickel and iron Signup and view all the answers

How do compositional layers differ from mechanical layers of the Earth?

Mechanical layers are defined by their physical state. Signup and view all the answers

What type of rock is primarily found in the Earth's crust?

All types of rocks Signup and view all the answers

Which layer sits directly below the Earth's crust?

Mantle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the mantle?

It is involved in tectonic activity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Crust

Thinnest layer of the Earth, varying from 2 miles (ocean floor) to 75 miles (mountains).
Composition mainly includes silicon and aluminum.
Divided into two types: Oceanic Crust and Continental Crust.
- Oceanic crust: Approximately 5 km thick, made of dense basalt, and primarily below sea level.
- Continental crust: Between 40 and 70 km thick, comprised of less dense granite, mostly above sea level.
Represents only 1% of Earth's total volume, likened to the skin of an apple.

Mantle

Largest layer, constituting 70% of Earth's mass.
Divided into two regions: Upper Mantle and Lower Mantle.
- Upper Mantle: Located just below the crust, features magma storage and movement in convection currents.
- Lower Mantle: Very thick layer with molten rock in circular motion.

Outer Core

Composed of hot, melted metals, primarily iron and nickel.
Liquid state contributes to Earth's magnetic field.

Inner Core

Solid sphere made mainly of iron.
Heat generated by radioactive decay of elements such as uranium.

Relationship of Layers

Temperature and density increase with depth.
Crust, mantle, and core are categorized into compositional and mechanical layers:
- Compositional: Crust, Mantle, Core
- Mechanical: Lithosphere (crust), Asthenosphere (upper mantle), Mesosphere (lower mantle), Outer Core, Inner Core.

Interactive Mechanics

Group activities involve dividing members to focus on different layers for discussion and illustration.
Each group creates a cohesive definition of Earth's layers based on collected facts.

Riddles about Earth's Layers

Earth: Described as a spherical entity with three hidden layers beneath the surface.
Crust: Analogous to the pizza base, where many activities or "players" exist.
Mantle: Thickest layer covered, associated with the coat metaphor.
Outer Core: Encompasses the inner core, plays a role in volcanic activity.
Inner Core: Described as small yet extremely hot, presenting danger to those who approach.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Essential items to bring include a map, flashlight, notebook, heat-resistant camera, food and water, extra clothes, and courage.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the Earth's crust, exploring the characteristics and differences between oceanic and continental crust. It covers their composition, thickness, and locations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's outer layer.