Layers of the Earth Geology – study of planet Earth Including surface & interior Geologists – a person who studies inside the Earth, temp, pressure, how they affect the surface of the Earth.

Seismic Waves Vibrations that travel through Earth every time an earthquake shakes the ground. Used by geologists to determine the composition of Earth’s interior

Layers Main Layers: Inner Core Outer Core Mantle Lithosphere – crust & upper part of the Mantle

Layers of E remove sections http://scign.jpl.nasa.gov/learn/plate1.htm

Inner Core Innermost layer of Earth Made up of solid Iron (Fe) and Nickel (Ni) Under the most pressure – why it’s solid Has the highest temperature 12oo Km thick

Outer Core Located between the inner core and the mantle Made up of liquid Iron (Fe) and Nickel (Ni) 2250 Km thick Helps create Earth’s magnetic field – as liquid outer core revolves around solid inner core

We think both parts are made of Iron and Nickel. But we have never been able to prove it. Could have Oxygen, Sulfer, Silicon ???

Mantle Located between the outer core and Earth’s crust 2900 Km thick Two parts of the mantle Upper mantle and lower mantle

Lower Mantle Located between the Earth’s outer core and the upper mantle Hot almost liquid rock – not liquid because of the pressure from the layers above 2250 Km thick

Upper Mantle Located between the lower mantle and the crust Includes the lithosphere and the asthenosphere About 280 Km thick

Asthenosphere Located in the upper mantle Semi-Solid – like silly putty/peanut butter consistency 180 Km thick Convection currents located here that move the continental plates

Lithosphere Located just above the asthenosphere Includes the crust and 100 km of the upper mantle Made up of solid rock

Crust Located on the surface of the Earth Rigid, thin, layer of rock There are 2 types of crust Oceanic and Continental

Continental Crust Located on the surface of Earth Thicker than Oceanic crust but less dense Made up mostly of Granite Can be up to 40 km thick Scientists have only drilled 20 KM into crust Extreme heat and pressure make drilling difficult

Oceanic Crust Thin layer of crust below the ocean Made up mostly of the rock basalt Thinner than continental crust but more dense Is less than 10 km thick