Layers of the Earth
What characteristics describe the mantle?
Consists of the asthenosphere - a layer of molten rock called magma that moves the tectonic plates.
Based on the information, which layer of the Earth does Layer D represent?
Crust
This layer of the Earth is solid due to extreme pressure and is composed of iron.
Inner core
This layer of the Earth is the innermost layer and is estimated to be about 1,250 kilometers thick.
Inner core
This layer of the Earth is liquid and is composed of molten iron and nickel.
Outer core
This layer of the Earth surrounds the inner core and is estimated to be about 2,300 kilometers thick.
Outer core
Which of the following are characteristics of continental crust?
Continental crust is mostly granite and makes up the land we live on
This layer of the Earth is the outermost, thinnest layer and ranges from 5 kilometers to 50 kilometers thick in certain locations.
Crust
This layer of the Earth is the solid layer where all life exists. It is composed of mainly oxygen, silicon, aluminum, and small amounts of other elements.
Crust
Which of the following is the correct order of the temperature of Earth's layers from coolest to hottest?
Crust, mantle, outer core, inner core
Even though the mantle is the thickest layer of the Earth, it makes up only a small portion of the Earth's mass.
False
If you were comparing the layers of the Earth to an egg, the inner core of the Earth would be like the shell of an egg.
False
The Earth is made up of four distinct layers - the crust, middle, outer portion, and interior
False
The crust is the same thickness in all areas surrounding the Earth.
False
The layers of the Earth are all made up of the same elements.
False
Based on the information, which layer of the Earth does Layer A represent?
Inner Core
Molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface is known as
Magma
Based on the information, which layer of the Earth does Layer C represent?
Mantle
This layer of the Earth consists of semi-solid, molten rock and is composed of an abundance of elements including magnesium, iron, aluminum, and silicon.
Mantle
This layer of the Earth is estimated to be about 2,900 kilometers thick (thickest layer) and makes up nearly 2/3 of Earth's mass.
Mantle
Which layer of the Earth makes up the majority of its mass?
Mantle
Rank the layers of the Earth from thickest to thinnest?
Mantle, outer core, inner core, crust
Which of the following does not help scientists gather important information about the Earth and its layers?
Ocean currents
Which of the following are characteristics of oceanic crust?
Oceanic crust is mostly basalt and comprises the ocean floor.
Based on the information, which layer of the Earth does Layer B represent?
Outer Core
Why is the Earth separated into different layers?
The different densities of each layer cause them to separate and layer
Continental crust is solid, while oceanic crust is liquid
False
Earth has a magnetic field that protects us from ultraviolet rays and space debris. This is possible due to which of the following statements?
The swirling of liquid metal in the outer core that surrounds the solid inner core.
What happens to the temperature within Earth as the pressure increases?
The temperature increases.
Scientists use seismic waves from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to study Earth's composition
True
The Earth is not a solid sphere throughout - some layers are able to flow more like liquids.
True
The convection currents that occur in the asthenosphere help to drive the movement of Earth's plates.
True
The crust is the layer of Earth where all life exists.
True
The inner core is estimated to have a temperature approximately the same as the surface of the Sun.
True
The layers of the Earth have different densities and temperatures.
True
The ____ is the upper portion of Earth's mantle where convection currents occur.
asthenosphere
The part of Earth's crust that makes up the landmasses and is composed mostly of granite is known as ______ crust
continental
The _____ is the outermost, solid layer of the Earth.
crust
The ____ core is the solid, innermost layer of the Earth.
inner
Molten rock that has reached the surface of the Earth through a weak spot in the crust is known as
lava
The Earth's crust and uppermost portion of the mantle is known as the ______.
lithosphere
The ___ is the thickest layer of the Earth located between the crust and outer core.
mantle
The part of Earth's crust that makes up the seafloor and is composed mostly of basalt is known as ____ crust.
oceanic
The _____ core is the liquid layer of the Earth located between the mantle and inner core.
outer