Layers of the Earth What is Geology Geology

Layers of the Earth

What is Geology? • Geology is the study of the rocks that make up the Earth, as well as the constructive and destructive forces that shape the Earth’s surface. • A geologist is a scientist that studies these processes. • Geologist use seismic waves from earthquakes to determine the structure of the interior of the Earth.

Journey to the Center of the Earth • The first layer you have to go through is the crust.

The Crust • A layer of rock that forms Earth’s outer skin. • It includes soil, rock, and ocean floors. • The crust under the oceans is Basalt • The crust under the continents is Granite

The Mantle • The mantle is a layer of solid hot rock. • The upper most part of the mantle and the crust are called the lithosphere. • As you travel deeper, the mantle gets softer, this is called the asthenosphere. • Inside of the A-sphere, convection currents transfer energy through the partially melted rock. Hot (less dense) rock rises, and cold (more dense) rock sinks. Just like a Lava Lamp.

The Core • The outer core is a layer of liquid metal of Iron and Nickel. • The inner core is a layer of solid Iron and Nickel. • The inner core spins and produces the Earth’s electromagnetic sphere which gives us Magnetic North and South Poles which protects us from harmful Solar Radiation.

How does the Earth Stay Hot Inside? • The interior of the Earth is hot due to the break down of radioactive elements within the inner layer rocks. • As these elements get older, they give off radiation (heat) that drives the convection process and heats magma. • As we go deeper into the Earth, pressure and temperature increase.

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