Earth Science Terminology

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Plasticity

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Capable of being molded or changed in form or shape. A characteristic of the material in the asthenosphere; existing in a solid state yet having the ability to flow without being a liquid.

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Composition

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The elements that make up a substance.

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Atmosphere

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The whole mass of air surrounding the earth.

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Crust

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The thin, solid outermost layer of Earth; made of less dense silicates and is either continental (landmasses) or oceanic (ocean floors).

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Mantle

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The solid layer of Earth between the crust and the core; made of dense silicates.

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Inner Core

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The sphere of solid nickel and iron at the center of Earth; surrounded by the liquid outer core.

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Outer Core

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The outer layer of Earth's core; surrounds the inner core and is made of liquid nickel and iron.

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Lithosphere

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The cool, rigid, outermost layer of Earth that consists of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle; broken into pieces or segments called plates.

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Asthenosphere

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The solid layer with plasticity in the upper mantle that is located just below the lithosphere; lithospheric plates 'float' and move on this layer.

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Molten

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Melted especially by very great heat.