Earth's Spheres and Layers

Question 1

Atmosphere

Answer 1

the layer of gas surrounding a planet that is held by gravity; contains 5 atmospheric layers – troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere

Question 2

Biosphere

Answer 2

All living matter on Earth

Question 3

Crust

Answer 3

the thin, solid, outermost layer of Earth; is either continental (landmass) or oceanic (ocean floor)

Question 4

Geosphere / Lithosphere

Answer 4

portion of the Earth’s interior that includes rocks and minerals, landforms, and processes that shape Earth’s surface

Question 5

Hydrosphere

Answer 5

All the water on Earth’s surface; includes all water sources above and below the surface

Question 6

Inner Core

Answer 6

the layer of solid nickel and iron at the center of Earth; hottest and most dense layer; solid due to intense pressure from the other layers

Question 7

Mantle

Answer 7

the semi-solid layer between the crust and the core; made of dense silicates; convection currents allow for movement of tectonic plates

Question 8

Outer Core

Answer 8

the layer made of liquid nickel and iron; contains molten rock; less dense than inner core

Question 9

Continental Crust

Answer 9

made of granite; contains the land on Earth; less dense and thicker compared to oceanic crust;

Question 10

Oceanic Crust

Answer 10

mostly made of basalt; contains the oceans and ocean floor; thinner and more dense than continental crust

Question 11

Interactions

Answer 11

Each sphere can interact and affect Earth’s systems. For example: The ocean’s temperature (hydrosphere) can determine the air temperature (atmosphere).