Earth's Layers and Composition

Flashcards covering the characteristics, composition, and study of Earth's internal layers based on the lecture notes.

Mantle

A layer consisting of hot, mostly solid rock that can slowly flow and contains convection currents.

Convection currents

Processes in the mantle that help move tectonic plates, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Outer Core (Thickness)

A layer of the Earth that is approximately $2,260\,km$ thick.

Outer Core (Composition)

A layer made mainly of liquid iron and nickel that generates the Earth's magnetic field.

Inner Core (Radius)

A layer of the Earth with a radius of about $1,220\,km$.

Inner Core (State)

A solid layer made of iron and nickel that remains solid due to immense pressure despite temperatures of $5,000-6,000\,^\circ\text{C}$.

Crust

The solid outermost layer of the Earth composed of rocks.

Silicate rocks

The main chemical composition of the Earth's mantle.

Seismic waves

Earthquake waves that scientists study to understand the different layers of the Earth.

Mechanical layers

The physical classification of Earth's layers, which includes the lithosphere, asthenosphere, and mesosphere.