1. The Earth’s Layers Layers

2. inner core outer core crust mantle Composition of the Earth’s Layers Moho

3. Crust: A very thin, solid outer layer. The oceanic crust is about 5 km thick. The continental crust is 30–40 km thick. Crust: A very thin, solid outer layer. The oceanic crust is about 5 km thick. The continental crust is 30–40 km thick. Moho: The boundary between the crust and the mantle (named for the Mohorovic discontinuity). Moho: The boundary between the crust and the mantle (named for the Mohorovic discontinuity). Mantle: The layer beneath the crust. The mantle is about 2885 km thick, and consists of two layers. Mantle: The layer beneath the crust. The mantle is about 2885 km thick, and consists of two layers.

4. Lower mantle Upper mantle Crust Outer core Inner core

5. Upper mantle: Includes a solid layer fused to the crust, it is about 70 km thick. This layer combined with the crust is called the lithosphere. Upper mantle: Includes a solid layer fused to the crust, it is about 70 km thick. This layer combined with the crust is called the lithosphere. Beneath this is the asthenosphere, which is a flowing (plastic-like) partly molten layer. The asthenosphere is thought to be the layer upon which tectonic plates ride. The asthenosphere exists between about 100 and 250 km deep. Beneath this is the asthenosphere, which is a flowing (plastic-like) partly molten layer. The asthenosphere is thought to be the layer upon which tectonic plates ride. The asthenosphere exists between about 100 and 250 km deep.

6. Lower mantle: Is composed of solid rock under conditions of extremely high temperature and pressure. This layer is about 2,185 km thick. Lower mantle: Is composed of solid rock under conditions of extremely high temperature and pressure. This layer is about 2,185 km thick.

8. Lower mantle Upper mantle Crust Outer Core Inner Core

9. Outer Core: A layer about 2,270 km (1,400 miles) thick, having the properties of a metallic liquid. Outer Core: A layer about 2,270 km (1,400 miles) thick, having the properties of a metallic liquid. Inner Core: A solid, metallic, spherical layer about 1,216 km (755 miles) thick. Inner Core: A solid, metallic, spherical layer about 1,216 km (755 miles) thick.

10. http://www.cnn.com/interactive/nature/99 03/earth.layers/frameset.exclude.html http://www.cnn.com/interactive/nature/99 03/earth.layers/frameset.exclude.html http://www.cnn.com/interactive/nature/99 03/earth.layers/frameset.exclude.html http://www.cnn.com/interactive/nature/99 03/earth.layers/frameset.exclude.html (animation of the layers)