Earth's Structure: Layers and Composition

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Questions and Answers

Which layer of the Earth is characterized by convection currents that drive tectonic plate movement?

  • Inner core
  • Mantle (correct)
  • Crust
  • Outer core

The Earth's inner core is primarily composed of molten rock.

False (B)

Which of the following best describes the lithosphere?

  • A semi-solid layer in the upper mantle
  • The liquid iron and nickel layer
  • The molten layer of the Earth
  • The rigid outer layer composed of the crust and upper mantle (correct)

The Earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron in the ______ core.

<p>outer</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each layer of the Earth with its approximate temperature:

<p>Crust = $200°C - 400°C$ Mantle = $500°C - 2000°C$ Outer Core = $4000°C - 6000°C$ Inner Core = $1000°C$</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crust is generally thicker?

<p>Continental crust (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oceanic crust is less dense than continental crust.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two elements are primarily found in the Earth's inner core?

<p>Iron and Nickel</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the Earth is best described as a plastic, semi-solid rock?

<p>Asthenosphere (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The crust has a uniform thickness across the Earth's surface.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the earth has a temperature range of $500°C - 2000°C$?

<p>Mantle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the layer of the Earth that includes the crust and upper mantle.

<p>Lithosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

The outer core is hotter than the inner core.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth's surface is made up of continental crust?

<p>40% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Earth is broken up into plates that move.

<p>tectonic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following layers of the Earth with their primary composition:

<p>Oceanic Crust = Basalt Continental crust = Various Outer Core = Molten Iron and Nickel Inner Core = Solid Iron and Nickel</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate thickness of the Earth's molten outer core?

<p>2300 km (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The asthenosphere is located within the Earth's outer core.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The temperature of the Earth's crust ranges from $200°C$ to $400°C$. This is a property of the:

<p>The outer part of the crust (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate minimum thickness of the crust?

<p>5 km</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Crust

The outermost solid layer of the Earth, composed of rigid rock.

Mantle

The layer beneath the crust, consisting of molten rock where convection currents drive tectonic movement.

Asthenosphere

A layer of plastic, semi-solid rock in the upper mantle, allowing for the movement of tectonic plates.

Lithosphere

Includes the crust and the upper part of the mantle, broken into tectonic plates.

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Outer Core

The liquid layer beneath the mantle, composed of molten iron and nickel.

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Inner Core

The Earth's innermost layer, a solid sphere of iron and nickel due to intense pressure.

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Oceanic Crust

The type of crust that covers the ocean basins, made of basalt and more dense than continental crust.

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Continental Crust

The type of crust that makes up 40% of the Earth's surface, thicker and less dense than oceanic crust.

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Convection Currents

The movement of material due to differences in temperature, driving tectonic plate motion in the mantle.

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Study Notes

  • Earth is composed of 4 main layers: crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.

Inner Core

  • Very dense and solid.
  • Primarily made of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni).
  • Generates Earth's magnetic field, causing compasses to point north.
  • Temperatures can reach approximately 5,200°C.
  • Subject to intense pressure.

Outer Core

  • Temperatures range from 4,400°C to 6,100°C.
  • Molten and approximately 2,300km thick.

Mantle

  • Temperatures vary from 500°C to 2,000°C.
  • Convection currents in the mantle cause tectonic plate movement.
  • Composed of molten rock.

Asthenosphere

  • A layer of plastic, semi-solid rock in the upper mantle.

Crust

  • Rigid and strong rock layer.
  • Temperatures range from 200°C to 400°C.
  • Varies in thickness from 5km to 70km.

Lithosphere

  • Includes the crust and upper mantle.
  • Broken up into tectonic plates that move

Oceanic Crust

  • Covers the ocean basins.
  • Made of basalt.
  • More dense than continental crust.

Continental Crust

  • Makes up 40% of the Earth's surface.
  • Thicker than oceanic crust.
  • Less dense than oceanic crust.

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