The structure of the Earth Flashcards
1
Q
inner core
A
- 1200km
- solid
2
Q
outer core
A
- 2250 km
- liquid
3
Q
Mantle - mesosphere
A
- 2900 km
4
Q
asthenosphere
A
The asthenosphere is the highly viscous, mechanically weak and ductile region of the upper mantle of the Earth. It lies below the lithosphere, at depths between approximately 80 and 200 km below the surface.
5
Q
lithosphere
A
- the crust and upper-most solid mantle
- 80-90 km thick
- divides into seven plates
- few smaller plates
6
Q
what are the two types of plates?
A
- oceanic
- continental
- dependent on the type of material they are made of
7
Q
continental crust - thickness
A
30-70 km
8
Q
continental crust- age
A
over 1.5 million years
9
Q
continental crust - density
A
2.6 (lighter)
10
Q
continental crust - composition
A
- SIlicon
- ALuminium
(SIAL)
11
Q
oceanic crust - thickness
A
6-10 km
12
Q
oceanic crust - Age
A
less than 200 million years
13
Q
oceanic crust - density
A
3.0 (heavier)
14
Q
oceanic crust - Composition
A
- SIlica
- MAgnesium
(SILMA)
15
Q
how many plates are there?
A
7
