Earth's Interior

What are seismic waves?

Vibrations that travel through Earth carrying the energy released during an earthquake.

What are the two main types of evidence geoligists use to learn about Earth's interior?

Direct evidence from rock samples and indirect evidence from seismic waves.

What are the three main layers of the Earth?

The crust, the mantle and the core.

How does pressure change as you go from the surface to the center of the Earth?

Pressure increases.

How does temperature change as you go from the surface toward the center of the Earth?

Temperature increases.

Mantle

The layer of hot, solid material between Earth's crust and core.

Lithosphere

A rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust.

Asthenosphere

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

Outer Core

A layer of molten metal that surrounds the inner core.

Inner Core

A dense ball of solid metal.

What are both parts of the core made of?

Iron and nickel.

What is the dark-colored rock that makes up most of the oceanic crust?

Basalt

What is the light-colored ruck that makes up most of the continental crust?

Granite

Crust

The layer of solid rock that forms the Earth's outer skin.

What are the two types of crust called that make up Earth's outer skin?

Oceanic crust and Continental crust.