Chapter 5 - Section 1 - Earth's Interior Flashcards
seismic waves
Vibrations that travel through Earth carrying the energy released during an earthquake.
pressure
The force exerted on a surface divided by the area over which the force is exerted.
crust
The layer of rock that forms Earth’s outer surface.
basalt
A dark, dense, igneous rock with a fine texture, found in oceanic crust.
granite
A usually light-colored igneous rock that is found in continental crust.
mantle
The layer of hot, solid material between Earth’s crust and core.
lithosphere
A rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust.
asthenosphere
The soft layer of the mantle on which the lithosphere floats.
outer core
A layer of molten iron and nickel that surrounds the inner core of Earth.
inner core
A dense sphere of solid iron and nickel at the center of Earth.
Why is it difficult to determine Earth’s inner structure?
because the Earth’s interior is made up of several layers
How are seismic waves used to provide evidence about Earth’s interior?
The speed of seismic waves and the paths they take reveal the structure of the planet.
What is the difference between the lithosphere and the asthenosphere?
lithosphere is rigid (hard)
asthenosphere is kind of soft–it can bend like plastic
In which layer is the lithosphere located?
uppermost part of the mantle
In which layer is the asthenosphere located?
the mantle
just below the lithosphere
Is the lithosphere
solid, liquid, or solid but able to flow slowly?
solid
Is the asthenosphere
solid, liquid, or solid but able to flow slowly?
solid
Is the lower mantle
solid, liquid, or solid but able to flow slowly?
solid
Is the outer core
solid, liquid, or solid but able to flow slowly?
liquid
Is the inner core
solid, liquid, or solid but able to flow slowly?
solid
What are Earth’s 3 main layers?
crust
mantle
core
What are the characteristics of Earth’s crust?
solid rock
rocks, mountains
soil and water
What are the characteristics of the mantle?
very hot, but solid rock
made up of the:
lithosphere
asthenosphere
lower mantle
What are the characteristics of the core?
made mostly of metals iron and nickel
2 parts - the liquid outer core and the solid inner core
