Chapter 3 Section 1 The Earth System
Crust: the thin and solid outermost layer of Earth above the mantle. Mantle: the layer of rock between Earth’s crust and core. Core: the central part of Earth below the mantle.
Convection: the movement of matter due to differences in density; the transfer of energy due to the movement of matter. Convection current: any movement of matter that results from differences in density; may be vertical, circular, or cyclical.
Asthenosphere: the physical layer of Earth upon which tectonic plates move. Lithosphere: the physical layer of Earth that is divided into tectonic plates.
Atmosphere: a mixture of gases surrounding Earth. Mesosphere: the physical layer of Earth that is the lower, solid layer of the mantle. Outer core: the physical layer of Earth that is made of liquid iron and nickel.