The Earth's Layers

convection currents

When the ________ flow in the asthenosphere they also move the crust.

radioactive decay

Heat from ________ in the Earths core heats up the mantle.

Mantle

The ________ is the thickest of all the layers.

crust

the outermost layer of the Earth

mantle

the layer of the Earth between the crust and the core

core

extends from the bottom of the mantle to the center of the Earth

lithosphere

the rigid outer part of the earth. it's made up of the crust and upper mantle.

asthenosphere

The soft layer of the mantle on which the lithosphere floats.

mesosphere

is below the asthenosphere and is the strong lower part of the mantle

outer core

the liquid layer of the Earth's core that lies beneath the mantle and surrounds the inner core

inner core

the solid, dense center of our planet that extends from the bottom of the outer core to the center of the Earth

density

the amount of matter in a given space (=mass/volume)

radioactive decay

The breakdown of a radioactive element, releasing particles and energy

convection

The transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a liquid or gas