Earth Science PDF

The Lithosphere Interior Structure of the Earth The interior of the Earth is divided into layers based on chemical and physical properties. The Earth has an outer silica-rich, solid crust, a highly viscous mantle, and a core comprising a liquid outer core that is much less viscous than...

The Lithosphere Interior Structure of the Earth The interior of the Earth is divided into layers based on chemical and physical properties. The Earth has an outer silica-rich, solid crust, a highly viscous mantle, and a core comprising a liquid outer core that is much less viscous than the mantle, and a solid inner core. Working from the centre of the Earth out we have: The inner core - a primarily solid sphere situated at Earth's center. The inner core is believed to be composed primarily of a nickel-iron alloy, with small amounts of some unknown elements. The temperature is estimated at 5,000-6,000 degrees Celsius and the pressure to be about 330 to 360 GPa (which is over 3,000,000 times that of the atmosphere!) The liquid outer core like the inner core composed of a nickel-iron alloy (but with less iron than the solid inner core). The outer core is so hot that the metals are in a liquid state. The mantle is thickest layer and comprises 70% of Earth's volume. (The core makes up about 30% of Earth's volume, with the outer crust [where we live]