structure of the earth

Question 1

Structure of the inner core

Answer 1

under intense heat and pressure (4000-6000℃), solid, rigid, made mostly of iron but with ~ 20% nickel, ~ 5000km

Question 2

Structure of outer core

Answer 2

semi molten/liquid (because seismic waves cant pass through it), under high temperatures, ~ 3000km

Question 3

Structure of mesosphere (lower mantle)

Answer 3

Solid, under high temp (1000-1200℃)

Question 4

Structure of the asthenosphere (upper mantle)

Answer 4

semi-molten, can move like a plastic due to convection currents caused by heating from the core

Question 5

Structure of lithosphere (uppermost part of mantle)

Answer 5

rigid, crust is welded to it , ~50km thick

Question 6

What is moho?

Answer 6

sharp division between the crust and the lithosphere(upper mantle)

Question 7

Structure of oceanic crust

Answer 7

6-10km thick, more dense ∴ can be subducted, mainly composed of basalt

Question 8

Structure of continental crust

Answer 8

up to 70km thick, less dense ∴ cannot be subducted, mainly composed of igneous d metomorphic and sedimentary rocks e.g granite

Question 9

Structure of plates

Answer 9

the lithosphere and the crust make up oceanic and continental plates

Question 10

How do the plates move?

Answer 10

They move due to the convection currents within the asthenosphere due to heat generated from the core/mantle ∴ the semi molten asthenosphere flows carrying with it the solid plates (lithosphere and crust)