1. NAME:_________________________
LAYERS OF THE EARTH
LAYER DIAGRAM DESCRIPTION IMPORTANT FACTS
(At least 2 facts)
Crust Thinnest layer of the Earth, where we 25 miles thick at its thickest part.
live. Layer #1 4,000 miles from crust to the inner
core
Temperature ranges from 0 degrees C
to 870 degrees C
2/3 crust lies under the ocean
Mantle Very hot, dense rock. Largest layer of the Largest layer 80-84% by volume.
Earth. Flows like asphalt due to 1,800 miles thick; 2,885 kilometers
temperature difference between top and thick
bottom. Top is hard rigid rock, becoming 1,600-4,000 degrees F temp
softer as it gets deeper. Plates of the About 6 miles beneath ocean
crust float on the soft mantle – this is About 19 miles beneath continental
called “convection currents.” Layer #2 crust
Outer Core Fluid, low viscosity molten metal layer. Depth of 1,806-3,219 miles from
Layer #3 surface
Made of nickel and Iron
Maybe made of sulfur and oxygen too
7,200-11,000 degrees F temp
Controls Earth’s magnetic field,
protecting us from sun’s solar winds
Inner Core Ball of solid metal in the center of Earth. Made of iron and nickel
Very high pressure keeps it solid. Layer Temperature as high as 9000F
#4 800 miles thick
2,400 km in diameter
About 5,150-6,276 km deep in the
Earth

2. NAME:_________________________
LAYERS OF THE EARTH
CONCLUSION:
Compare the four major layers of the Earth to any object. Explain how the layers are similar to the object you chose. Think creatively!