Geologic Time, Layers of the Earth, & Radiometric Dating

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is a physical layer of the Earth described as hot, weak, semi-solid rock that can flow slowly.

Front

What defines an atom?

Back

The defining property of an atom is the number of protons in the atom.

Front

How is heat transferred from Earth's core through the mantle?

Back

Heat is transferred upward through the mantle mostly by convection.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

Front

What is the primary factor for Earth's separation into layers?

Back

Earth is separated into layers based on density.

Front

What is the definition of the crust?

Back

The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, composed of solid rock.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the layer of the Earth located between the crust and the outer core, composed of semi-solid rock.

Front

What is the outer core?

Back

The outer core is a liquid layer composed mainly of iron and nickel, located beneath the mantle and surrounding the inner core.

Front

What is the inner core?

Back

The inner core is the solid, innermost layer of the Earth, composed primarily of iron and nickel.

Front

What is radiometric dating?

Back

Radiometric dating is a method used to determine the age of materials by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.