Tectonic theory

Question 1

Characteristics of Earths structure (1)

Answer 1

Heat from inner core connects through mantle into asthenosphere

Question 2

Characteristics of Earths Structure (2)

Answer 2

Hot magma rises because it becomes less dense with heat

Question 3

Characteristics of Earths Structure (3)

Answer 3

Magma is cooler at the top as it is further away from heat source. Becomes more dense and sinks back down to bottom

Question 4

Characteristics of Earths Structure (4)

Answer 4

Cooler magma is reheated and begins to rise again, creating a loop called a convection current

Question 5

Convection Current

Answer 5

• Mantle material rising from deep inside the mantle, while cooler mantle material sinks
• Drives the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates

Question 6

Characteristics of the crust

Answer 6

• AKA the lithosphere
• Upper most layer
• Thinnest
• Least Dense
• Lightest

Question 7

Oceanic crust

Answer 7

7km thick

Question 8

Continental Crust

Answer 8

70km thick

Question 9

Characteristics of the Mantle

Answer 9

• AKA asthenosphere
• Largely composed of Silicate
  rocks (Iron and Magnesium)
• Semi molten
• Temperature gradient
  generates convection currents
• Depth = 700km to 2890km

Question 10

Characteristics of Outer core

Answer 10

• Dense
• Semi molten
• Rocks containing iron and nickel alloys
• Depth of 2890km to 5150km