Earth
By Tyler and Ashley
Introduction
Long ago
Mesosaurus fossil:
Crust
2 layers:
The oceanic layer and the continental layer are both parts of the crust. The oceanic crust varies from 5 to 10 kilometers depending on where it is while the continental layer varies from 35 to 70 kilometers depending on where it is. The oceanic layer consists of volcanic lava which is also known as basalt.
Temperature:
The temperature of the crust varies from air temperature at the top, to around 1600 degrees Fahrenheit near the bottom.
Mantle
Thickness:
The mantle has a thickness of about 2900 kilometers.
Flow:
There are many theories to why the mantle flows. Some say that it is due to convection, the hot material floating, cooling, and sinking again and again. Some say that it is because the plates move, while others say that it is because the temperature of the top differs from the temperature at the bottom. Of course, no one certainly knows because no one's ever been there!
Temperature:
The temperature of the mantle varies from the top to the bottom. The top of the mantle can reach up to 1600 Fahrenheit, while the bottom of the mantle can reach up to 4000 Fahrenheit.
Asthenosphere
Lithosphere
Outer Core
Thickness:
The outer core has a thickness of about 2300 kilometers.
Temperature:
The temperature of the outer core can vary from 4000 Fahrenheit, to 9000 Fahrenheit.
Inner Core
Thickness:
The inner core has a thickness of about 1200 kilometers.
Temperature:
The inner core has a temperature that can reach up to 9000 Fahrenheit.
Pressure:
The pressure in the inner core is 45,000,000 pounds per square inch. That's 3,000,000 times greater than sea level!