Earth's Layers, plates, and Seismic Waves

Front

What are the layers of the Earth?

Back

The Earth is composed of four main layers: the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.

Front

What is the crust?

Back

The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, which is thin compared to the other layers.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the layer beneath the crust, made of semi-solid rock that flows slowly.

Front

What is the outer core?

Back

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

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 a tectonic plate?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle located beneath the lithosphere, allowing tectonic plates to move.

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

Where is the oldest oceanic crust found?

Back

The oldest oceanic crust is found farthest from mid-ocean ridges.