Earth's Interior
SOL 5.7 (d)
Understanding the Standard
Scientific evidence indicates that Earth is composed of four concentric layers: crust, mantle, outercore, and inner core
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Each with its own distinct characteristics. The outer two layers are composed primarily of rocky material. The innermost layers are composed mostly of iron and nickel. Pressure and temperature increase with depth beneath the surface.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Process
Describe the structure of Earth in terms of its major layers: crust, mantle, and outer core and inner core
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And how Earth’s interior affects the surface
Earths Layers
Crust
The crust ranges from 3-44 miles in depth and is the outermost layers. It is comprised of thin oceanic crust and the thick continental crust.
Mantle
The mantle extends to a depth of over 1800 miles making it the Earth's thickest layer. There is an intense, increasing pressure as one travels deeper into the mantle.
Outer Core/Inner Core
The inner core is solid with a radius of about 750 miles, while the liquid outer core has a radius of more than 2,100 miles.
Layers of the Earth