Layers of the EarthLayers of the Earth

Kim Lachler

2010

NCES 6.E.1.3

DensityDensity

Before talking about the layers of the Before talking about the layers of the earth it is important to understand density.earth it is important to understand density.

DensityDensity

Density = Mass/VolumeDensity = Mass/Volume

• Coke/diet coke demoCoke/diet coke demo

Both cans have the same Both cans have the same volume.volume.

Why did the coke sink and the Why did the coke sink and the diet float?diet float?

• Coke has more sugar, therefore Coke has more sugar, therefore more mass per volume.more mass per volume.

There are 2 different models to There are 2 different models to show the layers of the Earth. show the layers of the Earth.

The_Inner_Structure_of_the_Earth.movThe_Inner_Structure_of_the_Earth.mov

1)1) CompositionComposition

- It is based on the compounds of the Earth. In It is based on the compounds of the Earth. In other words, what they are made of.other words, what they are made of.

2)2) Physical StructurePhysical Structure

- It is based on the physical properties. In other - It is based on the physical properties. In other words, what it is like.words, what it is like.

Composition LayersComposition LayersCrust

MantleCore

CompositionComposition LayersLayers

The crustThe crust

• Outer most layerOuter most layer• Thinnest layerThinnest layer• 5 -100 km thick ( the ocean or 5 -100 km thick ( the ocean or

a mountain) a mountain)

• Less than 1% of the Earth’s massLess than 1% of the Earth’s mass

Composition LayersComposition Layers Oceanic crust Oceanic crust

• DenserDenser• Consist mainly of the Consist mainly of the

elements iron, calcium, elements iron, calcium, and magnesium.and magnesium.

Continental crustContinental crust

• Less denseLess dense• Consist mainly of Consist mainly of

oxygen, silicon, and oxygen, silicon, and aluminum.aluminum.

Composition LayersComposition Layers

The mantleThe mantle

• Denser then the crustDenser then the crust• Contains more magnesiumContains more magnesium• 2,900 km thick2,900 km thick• Makes up 67% of the Earth’s massMakes up 67% of the Earth’s mass

Composition LayersComposition Layers

CoreCore

• Center of the EarthCenter of the Earth• DenserDenser• Containing Iron and NickelContaining Iron and Nickel• 3,430 km thick3,430 km thick• 33% of the Earth’s mass33% of the Earth’s mass

Physical LayersPhysical Layerslithosphere

asthensphere

mesosphere

outer core

inner core

Physical LayersPhysical Layers

LithosphereLithosphere

• Rigid layerRigid layer• Outer most layerOuter most layer• 15 – 300 km thick15 – 300 km thick• Consists of the crust and the outer Consists of the crust and the outer

most part of the mantlemost part of the mantle• Divided into pieces (tectonic plates)Divided into pieces (tectonic plates)

Physical LayersPhysical Layers

AsthenosphereAsthenosphere

• Solid rockSolid rock• 250 km thick250 km thick• Plastic layer of the mantlePlastic layer of the mantle• What the lithosphere moves onWhat the lithosphere moves on

Physical LayersPhysical Layers

MesosphereMesosphere

• Stronger Stronger • Lower portion of the mantleLower portion of the mantle• 2550 km thick2550 km thick

PhysicalPhysical LayersLayers

Outer CoreOuter Core

• LiquidLiquid• Melted Iron and NickelMelted Iron and Nickel• 2,200 km thick2,200 km thick

Physical LayersPhysical Layers

Inner CoreInner Core

• SolidSolid• Consist of Iron and Consist of Iron and

NickelNickel• 1,230 km thick1,230 km thick• Hottest layerHottest layer

If it is hotter than the If it is hotter than the outer core than why is outer core than why is it not liquid like the it not liquid like the outer core?outer core?

• Too much Too much pressure!!!!!!pressure!!!!!!

BibliographyBibliography Holt, Rinehart, Winston, North Carolina Holt Science & Technology, Orlando, Fl, 2005Holt, Rinehart, Winston, North Carolina Holt Science & Technology, Orlando, Fl, 2005

Google Images , Layers of the Earth Google Images , Layers of the Earth http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&source=imghp&q=layers+of+the+earth&btnG=Search+Imahttp://www.google.com/images?hl=en&source=imghp&q=layers+of+the+earth&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfaiges&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai= accessed 9/26/2010= accessed 9/26/2010