The Fiery Earth Earth’s Interior
Earth’s Interior Crust Mantle Outer Core Inner Core
Crust How do we know? Thin, rocky outer layer Low density Thick under continents, thin under oceans 3 rock types (I, S, M) Split into pieces (plates) How do we know? Earthquakes/Seismic Waves
Mantle How do we know? Thick, plastic-like layer Slightly higher density Convection currents How do we know? Plate tectonics Changes in seismic wave speeds
Outer Core How do we know? Thick liquid layer Iron & Nickel Much higher density How do we know? Earth’s magnetic field No S-waves
Inner Core How do we know? Central solid layer Iron & Nickel Very high density How do we know? Earth’s magnetic field