Journey to the Center of the Earth

White Board Write down ideas/draw pictures as to how/why you think the world looks like it does today. Consider the following questions: How does everything move? How does this lead to earthquakes and volcanoes and other landforms?

Instructional Goals Explain the differences between each of the four layers of the earth Apply density to the layers of the earth

Layers of the Earth Crust Mantle Outer Core Inner Core

Crust Outermost layer of the earth Thinnest layer of the earth Two types of crust Continental and oceanic

Continental Crust Composed of granite Forms continents Average thickness 35-40 km

Oceanic Crust Composed of basalt Lies under oceans Average thickness 7-10 km

Continental vs Oceanic Crust

Mantle The middle layer (between crust and core) The thickest layer Hot slow flowing solid layer Semi-solid

Outer Core vs Inner Core Composed mostly of iron Liquid Mostly composed of iron solid

Masses List the layers of the earth from greatest mass to least mass in regard to the mass of the earth. Crust Mantle Core

How do we know… The composition of earth’s layers and what state of matter they are?

Two Types of Waves P-waves “primary” waves Forward backward motion Pass through solids and liquids S-waves “secondary” waves Side to side motion Pass through solids, not liquids

Earthquake Picture

Journey to the Center of the Earth Earth Layers Worksheet JCE Narrative