Layers of Earth Layers by their Chemical Composition
Layers of Earth
Layers by their Chemical Composition • Crust • Mantle • Core
The Crust • Outermost, thinnest layer • 5 to 100 km thick • Solid • Two types: Continental and Oceanic • Composition: Oxygen, silicon, and aluminum
The Mantle • Between the crust and core • 2, 900 km thick • Thickest layer • Solid but soft enough to flow through. • No one has ever visited the mantle. • Scientists observe Earth’s surface to conclude composition. • Composition: Magnesium
• Convection Currents: 1 possible cause of tectonic plate motion • Like hot air rise, cool air sinks. • Causes lithosphere to move sideways and away from the mid-ocean ridge.
The Core • Below the mantle to the center of Earth • Radius of 3, 430 km • Makes up 33% of Earth’s mass. • Composition: Mostly iron, nickel • Inner core is solid • Outer core is liquid
Who ? s i h t h c a e t n ca Draw the layers of Earth based on chemical composition.
Review!
The Mantle This is the thickest layer.
The Crust We live on top of this layer.
The Crust This layer is the thinnest.
The Mantle This layer is made up of convection currents.
The Core This layer is the central part of the Earth.
The Crust Composed of Oxygen, Silicon, and Magnesium
Group work! Step 1: Get into your groups. Step 2: Create a story about the 3 chemical layers of Earth. Step 3: This story should relate to the composition, state of matter, and thickness of the layer. Step 4: Create a picture that relates to the story. I am accepting one written copy of the story and one drawing per group.
Open those Science Books!!! Step 1: Find a partner Step 2: Get a science textbook Step 3: Describe the 5 physical layers of Earth by answering the following questions. Which layer is composed of tectonic plates? Which layer is the lowest part of the mantle? Which layer is the liquid layer? Which layer is made of solid rock?
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