Layers of the Earth

Exploring the Layers Seismic Waves When waves change we know the layers are different

Exploring the Layers Continued Drilling & Mining Furthest Drill = 15km Furthest Mine = 3.8km Future Goals 2020 – Drill to Mantle

Earth Composition Physical Properties Different mixtures of elements make up the layers Broken into 3 Layers Physical Properties Characteristics of the Layers Includes: Temperature, Density & Ability to Flow Broken into 5 Layers

Composition & Physical Properties Broken into 3 Layers Crust Mantle Core Physical Properties Broken into 5 Layers Lithosphere Asthenosphere Mesosphere Inner Core Outer Core

Composition - Crust Thin, Outer Layer Made of Light Elements Layer we live on Made of Light Elements Less than 1% of Earth’s Mass Generally 30-100 km thick Broken into tectonic plates 2 different types Oceanic Continental

Composition - Crust Oceanic Continental Under Oceans Thinner Denser Under Continents Thicker Less Dense

Composition - Mantle Layer beneath the crust Thickest layer 64% of mass 2,900 km thick Made of Iron and Magnesium Allows the tectonic plates to move Convection happens here

Composition - Core Hot & Dense Made of Nickel and Iron 3,480 km thick 1/3 of the Earth’s Mass Broken into 2 sections Inner Core Outer Core

Physical Properties – Outer Core Liquid Layer 2,300 km Thick Made of Iron & Nickel Creates Earth’s Magnetic Field Cooler than inner core

Physical Properties – Inner Core Solid Metal Layer 1,200 km Thick Iron and Nickel Extreme Pressure