Dynamics and Transformation of the Earth's Surface: Plate Tectonics, Gradation, and Landform Development

tectonic plates

the outermost layer of the Earth is not one single piece

but is broken into several large and small pieces called tectonic

plates.

main layers of earth

The Earth is made up of three main layers: crust, mantle, and core.

The crust is the outermost layer on which we live. Below the crust

lies the mantle, which is very thick and hot. The core is the innermost

layer and is extremely hot and heavy.

lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of the

Earth that includes the crust

and upper mantle

crust

thickness varies from 30–40 km

under continents to 5–7 km

under the ocean.

mantle

The mostly solid layer

between the crust and the

Earth’s outer core