Earth's Layers Mini Lesson

1. What are the main

characteristics of the Earth’s
layers?

2. How can the Earth’s layers be

illustrated?

Essential Questions:

Earth's Layers

Crust
•The outer layer of the
earth

•5-50 km thick

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Earth's Layers

Lithosphere
•Solid outer section of
the Earth, which
includes the crust
(rocky layer)

•Is what makes up the plates

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Earth's Layers

Asthenosphere

-Weaker, less rigid (plasticity
like silly putty)

- Is what the plates float on

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Earth's Layers

Mantle
•Largest layer of the Earth

•Under the crust about 2,890km
•Composed of silicate rocks
rich in magnesium and iron

•Intense heat causes the rocks
to rise and then cool and sink.

•Convection is what causes the
crust to move.

•Average temperature 3000o

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Earth's Layers

Outer Core

• Liquid layer (magma) 2,300 km

thick, second largest

• Composed of liquid iron and

nickel

• Lies between inner core and

mantle

• Because the magma moves

around the inner core, Earth’s
magnetic field is created.

• Average temperature 4000o -5000o

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Earth's Layers

Inner Core
•A solid ball of metal

•1,250 km thick

•Made of solid nickel and iron

•So hot it melts everything in the
outer core

•Densest layer of the Earth
•Average temperature 5000o
-6000o

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