Layers of the Earth

Front

Are the layers of the Earth which are determined by what the layers are made of. These include the crust, mantle, and core.

Back

Compositional Layers

Front

Outer, solid layer of the Earth, which is broken into continental and oceanic crust.

Back

Crust

Front

Denser portion of crust, made out of mostly basalt.

Back

Oceanic Crust

Front

Less dense portion of the crust, made of mostly granite.

Back

Continental Crust

Front

The thickest layer of the Earth, this is the middle layer which is made up of magma and solid rock.

Back

Mantle

Front

Found just below the mantle, this layer is made up of liquid iron and nickel. This layer creates Earth's magnetic poles.

Back

Outer Core

Front

Found below the outer core, this layer is made up of solid iron and nickel.

Back

Inner Core

Front

Are identified based upon how different parts of the Earth’s interior move. They include the lithosphere and asthenosphere.

Back

Structural Layers

Front

Solid layer made up of the crust and upper part of the mantle.

Back

Lithosphere

Front

Plastic layer (semi liquid like toothpaste) which includes the lower mantle. Here convection currents move molten rock around, pushing around Earth's plates

Back

Asthenosphere