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Questions and Answers
What is the primary composition of the Earth's core?
What is the state of the outer core?
What is the reason for the inner core being solid?
What is the characteristic of the asthenosphere?
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What is the depth range of the asthenosphere?
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How do scientists determine the composition and physical properties of the Earth's interior?
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What is the term for the Earth's layers being arranged according to density?
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What is the difference between the crust under the ocean and the crust that makes up the continents?
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What is the composition of the crust according to Pearson?
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How is the mantle subdivided?
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Study Notes
Earth's Internal Structure
- Scientists use seismic energy to determine the composition and physical properties of the Earth's internal structure
- This is done by analyzing seismic waves that bounce around the inside of the Earth, picked up by seismic listening stations worldwide
- Earth is density stratified, meaning it is layered according to density, with the highest density material at the center and the least dense material at the surface
Earth's Layers
- Crust:
- Located at the surface, where we live
- Composed of light silicate material (low density rock)
- Divided into oceanic crust and continental crust
- Lithosphere:
- Composed of the crust and uppermost mantle
- Rocks are rigid and break when a force is applied
- Mantle:
- Composed of iron and magnesium-rich material (higher density)
- Subdivided into three layers: lithosphere, asthenosphere, and mesosphere
- Asthenosphere:
- Under more pressure than the lithosphere
- Plastic and capable of bending and flowing
- Located 100 to 700 kilometers below the Earth's surface
- Core:
- Composed mostly of iron and nickel with some sulfur
- Subdivided into the inner core and outer core
- Outer core:
- Liquid due to high temperature
- Inner core:
- Solid due to intense pressure despite high temperature
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Description
Learn how scientists use seismic energy to analyze the Earth's internal composition and physical properties. Discover how seismic listening stations worldwide help determine the layers of the Earth.
