Unveiling Earth's Layers

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Questions and Answers

What is the density range of the mantle?

3.3 - 5.4g/cm3

What is the major constituent element of the mantle?

Silicon and Magnesium

What is the main source of magma?

Asthenosphere

What is the discontinuity between the upper mantle and the lower mantle called?

Repetti Discontinuity Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the core?

Mainly iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) Signup and view all the answers

Name the two ways the Earth can be divided and explain each method.

The Earth can be divided mechanically or chemically. Mechanically, it can be divided into lithosphere, asthenosphere, mesospheric mantle, outer core, and inner core. Chemically, it can be divided into crust, mantle (with upper and lower mantle), and core (with outer and inner core). Signup and view all the answers

What are the compositional layers of the Earth and what are their respective compositions?

The compositional layers of the Earth are the core, mantle, and crust. The crust is less than 1% of Earth's mass and is made up of oceanic crust and continental crust. The mantle represents about 68% of Earth's mass and the core is mostly iron metal. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the characteristics and thickness of the Earth's crust.

The Earth's crust is the outermost solid part of the Earth, typically 8-40 kms thick. It is brittle in nature and makes up about 1% of Earth's volume and 5% of Earth's mass. The thickness of the crust varies, with oceanic crust being thinner (about 5kms) compared to continental crust (about 30kms). Signup and view all the answers

What are the major constituent elements of the Earth's crust?

The major constituent elements of the Earth's crust are Silica (Si) and Aluminium (Al). This composition leads to the term SIAL, which is sometimes used to refer to the lithosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mantle and its location in relation to the Earth's crust?

The mantle is the portion of the Earth's interior beyond the crust. It is located below the crust and represents a significant portion (about 68%) of Earth's mass. Signup and view all the answers