Earth's Interior review

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What are P-waves?

Back

P-waves, or primary waves, are seismic waves that move back and forth and can penetrate solids, liquids, and gases.

Front

What are S-waves?

Back

S-waves, or secondary waves, are seismic waves that move perpendicular to the direction of wave travel and can only move through solids.

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are vibrations that travel through the Earth carrying the energy released during an earthquake.

Front

What is convection current?

Back

Convection currents are the movement of fluid caused by differential heating, which refers to the motion of molten rock in the mantle.

Front

What is the outer core?

Back

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

Front

What is the inner core?

Back

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

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer of the upper mantle that lies beneath the lithosphere and allows for the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the mesosphere?

Back

The mesosphere is the lower part of the mantle, located beneath the asthenosphere, characterized by increased pressure and temperature.

Front

What is the difference between the lithosphere and asthenosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is rigid and includes the crust and upper mantle, while the asthenosphere is semi-fluid and allows for tectonic movement.