Structure Of Earth

Question 1

The continental crust

Answer 1

The continental crust is the layer of the Earth’s crust that makes up the continents. It is thicker and less dense than the oceanic crust (it is 20-70 km thick) which is the layer of the Earth’s crust that makes up the ocean floor. The continental crust is made up of a variety of rocks, including granite, and is generally older than the oceanic crust. At 5-10 km down it is denser bc of rocks like basalt

Question 2

Oceanic crust

Answer 2

The oceanic crust is the layer of the Earth’s crust that makes up the ocean floor. It is thinner and more dense than the continental crust, which is the layer of the Earth’s crust that makes up the continents. The oceanic crust is primarily made up of basalt and is generally younger than the continental crust.

Question 3

What do seismic readings suggest about the crust and upper layer of the mantle?

Answer 3

The crust and upper layer of the mantle are rigid, forming what’s called the lithosphere. Below this the mantle is more elastic and able to move, this is the asthenosphere.

Question 4

Mantle

Answer 4

The mantle is 300km thick,it’s layer of the Earth that lies between the crust and the core. It makes up about 80% of the Earth’s volume.It is responsible for convection currents that drive plate tectonics. The upper mantle is solid, but the lower mantle is under such high pressure and temperature that it behaves like a thick liquid.

Question 5

Outer core

Answer 5

The outer core is primarily composed of liquid iron and nickel. The outer core is about 2,300 kilometers thick and is about 3000 Celsius. It is under extreme pressure and temperatures. The outer and inner core are both responsible for earths magnetic field.

Question 6

Inner core

Answer 6

The inner core is primarily composed of solid iron and nickel. It is about 1,200 kilometers thick and 6000 Celsius, it’s under immense pressure and temperature. Despite the high temperature, the inner core is solid because of the immense pressure.