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– 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

• Composition– 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– 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– Under Oceans– Thinner– Denser

• Continental– 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– 4,000-5,000°C

• 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