Summary of the Layers of the Earth,
Earth Layer Crust Mantle Outer Core Inner Core
Crust Density: Least dense layer overall. Oceanic Crust (basalt) is more dense than continental crust (granite).
Crust Composition: Compared to the mantle, it contains more silicon and oxygen and less magnesium and iron. Continental Crust- Granite Oceanic Crust- Basalt
Crust Picture: Outermost layer Thinnest: under the ocean Thickest: under the continents Crust: Oceanic + Continental =40 km Lithosphere: Crust + Upper Mantle = 100 km
Mantle Density: Density increases with depth because of the increasing pressure.
Mantle Composition: Made mostly of silicon. oxygen, iron, and magnesium.
Mantle Picture: Middle Layer Thickest layer Middle portion called the asthenosphere. (~500 km deep)
Outer Core Density: Between the densities of the mantle and inner core.
Outer Core Composition: Mostly made of liquid metal.
Outer Core Picture: 5200 km
Inner Core Density: Solid and most dense layer.
Inner Core Composition: Mostly made of iron and nickel.
Inner Core Picture: 6400 km
The combo of the cores makes our MAGNETIC FIELD!