Rocks and Weathering Flashcards
What shape does the earth resemble due to its spin?
A geode
The earth is flatter at the poles and bulges at the equator.
Which layer of the Earth is the thinnest?
Crust
The crust consists of two types: continental and oceanic.
What is the thickest layer of the Earth?
Mantle
The mantle is composed of molten rock.
What is the upper layer of the mantle called?
Lithosphere
The lithosphere is made up of solid crust and mantle and is broken into tectonic plates.
What separates the colder, more rigid rocks from the hotter, more plastic rocks in the mantle?
Asthenosphere
The asthenosphere is a liquid layer of the mantle that tectonic plates float on.
What are the main components of the outer core?
Liquid metals: iron and nickel
The outer core is in a liquid state.
What is the state of the inner core and why?
Solid due to pressure
The inner core is the hottest layer of the Earth.
What is the thickness range of oceanic crust?
6-10 km
Oceanic crust is thinner than continental crust.
What is the age of oceanic crust?
Less than 200 million years
Oceanic crust is younger than continental crust.
What is the average density of oceanic crust?
3.0 g/cm³
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust.
What is the composition of oceanic crust?
Basalt, silicon, magnesium, oxygen
Oceanic crust has a heavier composition.
What is the thickness range of continental crust?
30-70 km
Continental crust is thicker than oceanic crust.
What is the age of continental crust?
Over 1,500 million years
Continental crust is significantly older than oceanic crust.
What is the average density of continental crust?
2.6 g/cm³
Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust.
