Layers of The Earth

Composition (What is it made of?)

• Divided into 3 layers:• Crust• Mantle• Core

The Crust: Rigid Outer LayerCONTINENTAL

• Thick• Less dense• Made of granite

OCEANIC• Thin• Very dense• Made of basalt

Continental Crust Oceanic Crust

Mantle

The Mantle

• Thickest layer• Hot, slow-flowingsolid rock• Made of magnesium

The Core

• Center of the Earth• Densest layer• Made of mostly iron and nickel• Divided into 2 parts

Physical Layers• Divided into 5 layers based on:– Temperature– Density– Ability to flow (solid/liquid)

LithosphereAsthenosphere

Mesosphere

Outer Core

Inner Core

Lithosphere• Outermost, rigid layer (solid)• Divided into tectonic plates• Made of the crust and upper mantle• Thinnest layer

Lithosphere

Asthenosphere• Soft solid• Tectonic plates float on this layer• Moves as fast as your fingernails grow• Weak layer• “Putty”-like layer

Asthenosphere

Mesosphere• Solid• Strong• Thickest layer• Lower part of the Mantle

Mesosphere

Outer Core

• Liquid- rock melts• Surrounds the inner core

Outer Core

Inner Core

• Solid- due to extreme pressure• Dense center of the Earth• Hottest layer

Inner Core