Layers of Earth

Layers of Earth

• 4 different layers of Earth
  • Crust
  • Mantle
  • Outer Core
  • Inner Core
• Understanding the structure of Earth helps us understand weather, climate, and disasters that happen
  • Tectonic plates shifting causing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

The Crust

• the outer layer of Earth
• Made of solid rock and sustains life
• 2 types of crust
  • Continental- carries land
  • Oceanic- carries water
• This is the layer where tectonic plates can shift and cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The Mantle

• The widest layer of Earth
• Consists of magma which is semi-molten rock
• Made up of two parts
  • Upper- has hard rock
  • Lower- has soft rock and this is where it starts to melt

The Outer Core

• Liquid layer of Earth
• Extremely hot due to it being close to the inner core
• Surrounds the inner core which creates extreme heat

The Inner Core

• Earth’s center
• Hottest part of Earth
• Made up of iron and nickel
• It can get as hot as 9,932 degrees Fahrenheit
• Think of it as the engine room of Earth

The Atmosphere

• The atmosphere is also made up of layers
• All the layers work together and interact with the gases around the planet
• The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases that surrounds Earth
• It works as a seal to protect Earth from outer space
• It holds oxygen which allows you to breath

The Biosphere

• This is where all life exists
• This overlaps every other sphere on Earth

The Hydrosphere

• This contains Earth’s water
• Approximately 70% of Earth’s surface is made up of water