The Earth Flashcards
Name the layers that make up the Earth.
Inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust.
Describe the Earth’s crust.
The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth (or other planet). It is a thin, hard and brittle outer layer. It makes up less than 1 per cent of the Earth’s volume.
Describe the mantle layer.
The mantle layer sits outside the core. It makes up about 84% of the Earth’s volume. The rock in this layer varies from clay-like, semi-solid rock to soft molten (melted) material. The mantle can cause earthquakes and volcanoes.
Describe the Earth’s inner core.
The inner core consists mostly of iron (which is metal, not rock). Although it is more than 5000°C (about as hot as the Sun’s surface), the solid metal ball does not melt because it is under huge pressure from the weight of the rest of the Earth around it.
Describe the Earth’s outer core layer.
The outer core consists mostly of the metals iron and nickel, and has a temperature of more than 4000°C. The Earth’s magnetic field is caused by the liquid metal outer core. The north and south magnetic poles are at the opposite ends of this giant magnet.
Which of Earth’s layers causes the Earth’s magnetic field?
The outer core.
Which of Earth’s layers causes earthquakes and volcanoes?
The mantle.
What is the Earth’s core mostly made of?
iron and nickel
Which layer of the Earth makes up most of its volume?
The mantle.
