tectonics Flashcards
1
Q
How far it is it to the core and how is it mapped?
A
6500km and mapped via siesmic waves.
2
Q
What is the study of tectonic movement and how fast do they move?
A
Move 2cm-1.5cm a year- study of them is called plate tectonic theory.
3
Q
What are the 3 layers that the earth is broken up into?
A
- Crust- Forms shell of earth 2 crusts
Oceanic- thin dense layer (6km-10km thick)
Continental- older, thicker layer (45-50km thick) Makes up earth’s landmass.
- Mantle- surrounds core, widest layer making up the earth. Upper part is solid buut below rock is semi-molten forming asthenosphere- where tectonic paltes float. Crust and upper mantle make up the lithosphere. The solid layer where tectonic plates are formed.
- Core consists of 2 parts
>inner core- centre of the earth, hottest part 3000 C, solid & consists of iron. In 2015 seismic waves suggested inner core has another area ‘inner inner core’
>outer core- semi-molten mostly consisting of liquid iron and nickel. temp 4500-6000c