Earths interior review

Front

What allows the continental crust to float on top of the mantle?

Back

The continental crust floats on top of the mantle because it is less dense than the mantle.

Front

What is mantle convection?

Back

Mantle convection is the very slow creeping motion of Earth’s solid silicate mantle caused by convection currents carrying heat from the interior to the planet's surface.

Front

What is the very center of the Earth called?

Back

The very center of the Earth is called the Inner Core, and it is the hottest part of the planet.

Front

What materials make up the Inner Core?

Back

The Inner Core is made of solid Iron and Nickel.

Front

What layers make up the mantle?

Back

The mantle is made up of the mesosphere, asthenosphere, and part of the lithosphere.

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 difference between the inner core and outer core?

Back

The inner core is solid and composed mainly of iron and nickel, while the outer core is liquid and also composed of iron and nickel.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer of the mantle located below the lithosphere, which allows for the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are the circular movements of fluid caused by the heating and cooling of the material, which in the case of the mantle, helps drive plate tectonics.

Front

What is the role of the mantle in Earth's geology?

Back

The mantle plays a crucial role in Earth's geology by facilitating the movement of tectonic plates through convection currents.