The Earth's Structure Flashcards
What 4 layers is the Earth broken up into?
The crust, mantle, outer core and inner core
Approximately how thick is the crust?
It is the thinnest layer at approximately 5-70km
Approximately how thick is the mantle?
It is the thickest layer at approximately 2900km thick
Approximately how thick is the outer core?
It is approximately 2300km thick
Approximately how thick is the inner core?
It is approximately 1250km thick
What is the temperature of the the crust?
200-400°C
What is the temperature of the the mantle?
1000-3700°C
What is the temperature of the the outer core?
3700-5000°C
What is the temperature of the the inner core?
Up to 5000°C
What is the crust’s composition?
It is a solid rock that is broken up into pieces called tectonic plates. It contains rocks and minerals like basalt and granite.
What is the mantle’s composition?
It is semi-molten and is made of solid rock that can flow - plastic rock.
What is the outer core’s composition?
It is semi liquid iron. The iron is magnetic which means the earth’s magnetic field is formed here.
What is the inner core’s composition?
It is mainly made out of iron and nickle. It is solid as it is under alot of pressure.
What is the lithosphere?
The rigid outer part of the earth. It includes the crust and part of the upper mantle that contains rigid rocks.
What is continental crust?
A thick part of the earth’s crust that forms large land masses
