Layers of Earth

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the layers of the Earth.

Crust

The outermost layer of the Earth, consisting of a thin layer of rock ranging from 0 to 40 kilometers deep.

Mantle

The layer directly beneath the crust, consisting of solid rock that flows like melted taffy.

Core

The innermost layer of the Earth, consisting of a liquid outer core and a solid inner core made primarily of iron and nickel.

Continental Crust

The part of the crust that forms the continents and is made up of less dense rocks.

Oceanic Crust

The part of the crust that forms the ocean floor, consisting mainly of denser rocks such as basalt.

Seismic Waves

Vibrations that travel through Earth after an earthquake, used by geologists to study the interior layers.

Volcanic Eruptions

Natural events where material from deep within the Earth is expelled to the surface, providing insight into the Earth's layers.

Pressure and Temperature

These increase as you move from the surface of the Earth toward the center, with temperatures reaching over 5500 ºC in the core.