Earth’s Composition Earth’s Composition

Lesson 1: Layers of the Lesson 1: Layers of the EarthEarth

SC.7.E.6.1SC.7.E.6.1• Student will be able to describe the

different layers of the earth.

Earth is like a peach!!Earth is like a peach!!

• Skin of the peach is the crust

• Meat of the peach is the mantle

• Pit of the peach is the core

Layers of the EARTHLayers of the EARTH

CRUSTState of Matter: SolidComposition: Silicon & OxygenDensity: Less than all 3.9g/cm3Distance below surface: Outer surfaceThickness: Thinnest layer

MANTLEState of Matter: SolidComposition: Magnesium & iron silicatesDensity: 3.9g/cm3Distance below surface: 670-2900kmThickness: Thick

OUTER COREState of Matter: LiquidComposition: IronDensity: 11.1g/cm3Distance below surface: 5,150kmThickness: Thick fluid like Material.

INNER COREState of Matter: SolidComposition: IronDensity: 13.0g/cm3Distance below surface:6,370kmThickness: Thickest layer Because of it’s density

Crust

• Brittle rocky outer layer of the Earth.

• Thinnest of the layers• The least dense• Made of: Silicon & Iron• Layer where we live!!!!

2 Parts• Continental Crust• Oceanic Crust

• Thick middle layer in the solid part of the Earth

• Immediately below the crust• Convection currents in

the mantle cause the plates above to move

• Made of magnesium2 Parts• Upper Mantle• Lower MantleBONUS FACTS: 2900 km below

earth’s surface (7,250 laps around 400 meter track)

Mantle

Inside the MantleInside the MantleLithosphere

• The crust and part of the upper mantle = lithosphere

• Less dense than the material below it so it “floats”

• The plastic layer (easily flowing) inside the mantle

• The lithosphere float on top of the asthenosphere

=PLATE TECTONICS

Asthenosphere

Liquid Iron

Liquid Iron

Outer Core

• Made of a thick fluid like LIQUID iron

• Directly below the mantle

BONUS FACTS 5,150 km below earth’s surface (12,875 laps around a 400 meter track)

• Spinning SOLID ball made of iron and nickel

• Layer with the most density

BONUS FACTS 6,370 km below earth’s surface (15,925 laps around a 400 meter track)

Inner Core

Solid IRON