Layers of the Earth

Question 1

Crust / Lithosphere

Answer 1

The Earth’s crust, made of mostly solid rock also includes landforms, soil, is rigid and has high strength. It varies in thickness from 5km under the ocean to 70km under mountain ranges.

Question 2

Atmosphere

Answer 2

A blanket of gases that surrounds the Earth up to 145km. Mostly comprised of nitrogen and oxygen.

Question 3

Outer Core

Answer 3

Molten iron and nickel at a temperature between 4000°c and 6000°c. About 2300km thick.

Question 4

Inner Core

Answer 4

Made up of mostly iron and nickel. Temperatures up to 7000°c and about 1200km thick.

Question 5

Hydrosphere

Answer 5

The water on or at the surface of the Earth. This includes oceans, lakes, rivers, rain and mist.

Question 6

Mantle

Answer 6

Partially molten rock at temperatures between 500°c to 2000°c. Around 2900km thick. The top part is the source of magma that erupts onto the surface.

Question 7

Asthenosphere

Answer 7

The asthenosphere is a layer of the Earth’s mantle located below the lithosphere. This layer acts as a lubricant for the plate tectonics above.

Question 8

Continental crust

Answer 8

The continental crust is the outermost layer of the earth’s lithosphere. It forms the landmasses and the continents on Earth. It is rich in silicates and aluminium minerals.

Question 9

Oceanic crust

Answer 9

The oceanic crust is the outermost layer of Earth’s lithosphere that is found under the oceans and formed on mid-ocean ridges. It is rich in magnesium and silicate minerals.