Earth's Layers and Earth's Atmosphere Flashcard

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 above the inner core. It generates Earth's magnetic field through electrical currents.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the upper part of the mantle, characterized as a semi-solid layer that behaves like jelly, allowing tectonic plates to move.

Front

What are the two types of crust?

Back

The two types of crust are continental crust, which is less dense, and oceanic crust, which is more dense. The crust is the thinnest and coolest layer of the Earth.

Front

What is the troposphere?

Back

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where weather occurs and where most of the atmosphere's mass is found.

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 mantle?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of Earth's magnetic field?

Back

Earth's magnetic field protects the planet from solar wind and cosmic radiation, and it is generated by the movement of molten iron in the outer core.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

Back

Oceanic crust is denser and thinner than continental crust, which is thicker and less dense.

Front

What is the thermosphere?

Back

The thermosphere is a layer of Earth's atmosphere above the mesosphere, characterized by high temperatures and the presence of ionized gases.

Front

What is the exosphere?

Back

The exosphere is the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, where atmospheric particles are so sparse that they can travel hundreds of kilometers without colliding with one another.