Earth's Layers Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

The planet that we call Earth has how many layers?

Four

What are the four layers of the Earth?

Inner Core (correct)

Mantle (correct)

Crust (correct)

Outer Core (correct)

What is the thickest layer of the Earth?

Mantle - 1,800 miles

What is the thinnest layer of the Earth?

Crust - 3 - 25 miles Signup and view all the answers

How many miles would you have to dig to reach the other side of the Earth?

12,980 km Signup and view all the answers

Match the following facts with the Earth's crust:

Thinnest layer of Earth = Fact 1 Made up of Si and Al = Fact 2 Made of plates on which the continents and oceans rest = Fact 3 Part of the lithosphere = Fact 4 2 types - oceanic and continental = Fact 5 Signup and view all the answers

The crust and the upper layer of the mantle together make up a zone of rigid, brittle rock called what?

Lithosphere Signup and view all the answers

What are some amazing facts about the mantle?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What are convection currents?

Convection currents are caused by the very hot material at the deepest part of the mantle rising, becoming less dense, then cooling, becoming denser, and sinking again. Signup and view all the answers

Name two metals found in the outer core.

Iron and Nickel Signup and view all the answers

How many kilometers beneath the crust is the border between the outer core and the inner core?

5,150 km Signup and view all the answers

The inner core is under so much pressure that it does not move like a liquid; it is what?

Solid Signup and view all the answers

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Convection currents Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature of the center of the Earth?

6,650 degrees Celsius Signup and view all the answers

Why is the inner core solid if it is the hottest layer?

It is solid because of the pressure from the outer core, mantle, and crust compressing it. Signup and view all the answers

List two differences between the continental crust and oceanic crust.

The oceanic crust is denser and thinner than the continental crust. Signup and view all the answers

The crust of the Earth is broken into many pieces called what?

Plates that float on the soft, semi-rigid asthenosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth’s Layers Overview

Earth is composed of four distinct layers: Inner Core, Outer Core, Mantle, and Crust.

Layer Thickness

Mantle is the thickest layer, measuring approximately 1,800 miles (2,900 km).
Crust is the thinnest layer, ranging from 3 to 25 miles (5 to 40 km) in thickness.

Digging Through Earth

Total distance to dig through all layers: 12,980 km (6,490 km each way).
Calculation involves the combined thickness of the Crust, Mantle, Outer Core, and Inner Core.

Earth’s Crust Facts

Crust is made up primarily of Silicon (Si) and Aluminum (Al).
Contains tectonic plates, supporting continents and oceans.
Comprises two types: oceanic crust (thinner, denser) and continental crust (thicker).

Lithosphere

The lithosphere includes the crust and the uppermost layer of the mantle, characterized by rigid and brittle rock.

Mantle Insights

The mantle is solid but behaves like a flowing substance, akin to fudge.
Convection currents in the mantle drive tectonic plate movements, affecting the Earth's surface.
Composition includes Magnesium (Mg), Silicon (Si), Oxygen (O), and Iron (Fe).

Convection Currents

Process driven by hot mantle material rising, cooling, and sinking, creating a continuous cycle that influences plate tectonics.

Core Composition

Outer core is comprised mainly of Iron and Nickel.
The boundary between the outer and inner core lies approximately 5,150 km beneath the Earth’s crust.

Inner Core Properties

Despite being the hottest layer at approximately 6,650 degrees Celsius, the inner core is solid due to immense pressure from the surrounding layers.

Differences in Crust Types

Oceanic crust is denser and thinner compared to the less dense and thicker continental crust.

Asthenosphere

The crust floats on the soft, semi-rigid layer known as the asthenosphere, which allows for the movement of tectonic plates.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the four layers of the Earth with these flashcards. Learn about the Inner Core, Outer Core, Mantle, and Crust, including their characteristics and dimensions. Perfect for students looking to strengthen their understanding of geology.