Layer of Earth

Terms in this set (11)

3 Layers of Earth from Outside to Inside
Crust, mantle, core
Lithosphere
The crust and the upper layer of the mantle; section of earth that is solid and rigid
Asthenosphere
Soft layer of the mantle benath lithosphere; it flows and has the consistency of asphalt or silly putty
Crust
The thin, rocky outer layer of Earth; divided into plates
Continental crust
Thicker portion of the earth's crust that primarily contains granite, is less dense than oceanic crust, and is 20-50 km thick
Core
Hot metallic center of the earth
Convection current
Current that occurs in mantle layer caused by the rising of heated fluid and sinking of cooled fluid. This current is cause of plate movement.
Inner Core
Inner part of the core characterized by extremely high temperatures and pressure; composed primarily of liquid metals iron-nickel
Mantle
Middle and thickest layer of earth composed of hot dense rock
Oceanic crust
Portion of Earth's crust that is usually below the oceans and not associated with continental areas; thinner and higher in density that continental crust; composed primarily of basaltic rock
Outer Core
Layer of molten iron and nickel that surrounds the inner core of Earth
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