Earth's Mechanical Layers Vocab Flashcards

Front

Boundary between crust and mantle. Defined by the distinct change in velocity of seismic waves as they pass through changing densities of rock.

Back

Moho Discontinuity

Front

Dark, basaltic rock, thinner and denser than continental crust.

Back

Oceanic Crust

Front

Light, granite-rich rock, thicker and less dense than oceanic crust.

Back

Continental Crust

Front

The movement of matter in a fluid caused by differences in pressure. Currents caused by this in the mantle drive the movement of crustal plates.

Back

Convection

Front

Defined by physical properties. Lithosphere, Asthenosphere, Mesosphere, Outer Core and Inner Core.

Back

Mechanical Layers

Front

Solid outer layer of the Earth that consists of the crust and upper part of the mantle.

Back

Lithosphere

Front

The soft layer of the mantle on which the tectonic plates move (plastic-like).

Back

Asthenosphere

Front

Lower part of the mantle right above the outer core.

Back

Mesosphere

Front

Only liquid layer. Lies between the mantle and inner core. Responsible for Earth’s magnetic fields.

Back

Outer Core

Front

A solid sphere in the middle of the liquid core.

Back

Inner Core