Layers of the Earth

Directions Take detailed notes about the different layers of the earth. Be sure to include: A Title Subtitles For Each Topic Drawings Where Applicable

Let’s start with Earth’s Common Four Layers These are the layers you learned about last year. They are based on the composition of each section of the Earth.

Composition (What it is made of) Crust Mantle Outer Core Inner Core

The Crust Outer most layer km thick (the thinnest layer) 2 types of crust –Oceanic (very dense) –Continental (less dense) Made of oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, & magnesium

Oceanic and Continental Crust

The Mantle Middle layer Very thick layer Mostly iron & magnesium

The Core Outer core is liquid Inner core is solid Made mostly of iron 1/3 of the earth’s mass Extremely hot

Tectonic Plates There is another way to look at the layers!

These layers are based on movement (mesosphere)

Physical Structure of the Earth (5 Layers) Lithosphere- rigid hard outer layer that makes up the plates (includes the crust & top mantel) Asthenosphere- amorphous solid rock that flows slowly like putty (top part of the mantel) Mesosphere- strong middle layer of Earth (lower mantel) Outer Core- liquid layer made mostly of iron Inner Core- solid, very dense, made mostly of iron

Let’s Compare

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