Structure of the Earth Flashcards
What are the four main layers of the Earth?
Crust, Mantle, Outer Core, Inner Core.
: Describe the composition and state (solid/liquid) of the Earth’s crust.
The crust is the outermost layer, composed mainly of silicate rocks. It is solid and relatively thin compared to other layers.
What differentiates the mantle from the crust?
The mantle lies below the crust, is composed of silicate rocks rich in magnesium and iron, and is semi-solid, allowing for convection currents.
Explain the properties of the Earth’s outer core.
The outer core is liquid, composed primarily of iron and nickel, and is responsible for Earth’s magnetic field.
What is the state and composition of the Earth’s inner core?
The inner core is solid, composed mainly of iron and nickel, despite the high temperatures, due to immense pressure.
How does heat move through the Earth’s layers?
Heat moves by conduction (transfer through direct contact) in the solid layers and by convection (movement of heated material) in the semi-solid mantle.
