The Earth's Structure

Question 1

What are the four parts to the earths structure?

Answer 1

Crust
Mantle
Outer core
Inner core

Question 2

What is the crust?

Answer 2

The bit we live on
Very thin (between 5-50km thick)
Surrounded by the atmosphere

Question 3

What is the mantle?

Answer 3

It has all the properties of a solid except it can flow very slowly

Radioactive decay takes place which produces a lot of heat and causes the mantle to flow in convection currents

Question 4

What is the core?

Answer 4

At the centre of of the earth

Thought to be made up of iron and nickel

Question 5

Why do plates not stay in one place?

Answer 5

Convection currents in the mantle cause them to drift

Volcanoes and earthquakes often occur at the boundaries between tectonic plates

Question 6

Can scientists predict earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?

Answer 6

No there are signs like strain in underground rocks and bulges on the surface but these can be false alarms and do not give a precise day