The Structure of the Earth

Question 1

What is the thickness of the thin rocky crust?

Answer 1

It varies between 10km and 100km

Question 2

Describe the thin rocky crust.

Answer 2

• Oceanic crust lies beneath the oceans

- Continental crust forms continents

Question 3

What is the thickness of the mantle?

Answer 3

Extends almost halfway to the centre of the Earth

Question 4

Describe the mantle.

Answer 4

• Has a higher density, and different composition, than rock in the crust
• Very hot, but under pressure

Question 5

What is the thickness of the core?

Answer 5

It accountants for over half of the Earths radius

Question 6

Describe the core.

Answer 6

• Made of nickel and iron, and has a liquid outer part and solid inner part
• The decay of radioactive elements inside the Earth releases energy, keeping the interior hot.