Layers Of Earth

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Layers of Earth

• Crust: the thin, solid, outermost layer of Earth

• Mantle: the solid layer of Earth, between the crust and the core

• Outer Core: the liquid, outer shell of Earth's core

• Inner Core: the sphere of solid nickel and iron at Earth's center

Earth's Layers Composition

The crust and mantle are composed primarily of the elements oxygen and silicon, known as silicates.
Silicates of the mantle contain heavier elements.


The inner and outer core is composed of the densest materials, primarily iron and nickel.

Inner Core

The inner core is the hottest part of the Earth, reaching temperatures up to 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Despite its extreme heat, it remains solid due to immense pressure.

It plays a crucial role in generating Earth's magnetic field.

Earth's Lithosphere

• The crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, together, make up a layer called the lithosphere.

• The lithosphere is the cool, rigid, outermost layer of Earth.

• The lithosphere is in the solid state of matter.

• This solid rock is broken into large pieces called lithospheric plates.

• Lithospheric plates are also called tectonic plates.

Earth's Layers: Asthenosphere

The asthenosphere is a shallow layer of the upper mantle.

The asthenosphere lies directly below the lithosphere, is also solid.

The asthenosphere is less rocky and rigid than the lithosphere above.

The asthenosphere has plasticity. Plasticity is the condition of a material in a solid state that gives it the ability to flow.

Multiple Choice

Which layer of the Earth is a thin, solid, outermost layer?

• Crust

• Mantle

• Outer Core

• Inner Core

Multiple Choice

What does silicon and oxygen atoms create?

• Silicates

• Silicon

• oxygen

• Hydrogen

Multiple Choice

What is the solid, dense center of Earth called?

• Crust

• Mantle

• Outer Core

• Inner Core

Multiple Choice

Which layer of the Earth is in the liquid state of matter?

• Crust

• Mantle

• Outer Core

• Inner Core