Layers of Earth

Which layer is the most dense?

• lithosphere

• mesosphere

• asthenosphere

• inner core

Which layer is hard or rigid?

• lithosphere

• asthenosphere

• mesosphere

• outer core

What is the difference between the outer core and inner core? 

• the outer core is a liquid and the inner core is a solid

• the inner core is a liquid and the outer core is a solid

• the outer core is made of granite and the inner core is made of iron

• The outer core has more pressure than the inner core

Which layer is a solid that can flow like a liquid?

• asthenosphere

• lithosphere

• mesosphere

• inner core

Which of the following is true?

• to learn about Earth’s interior, geologists study how seismic (earthquake) waves move through Earth

• the oceanic crust is most like granite in composition overall

• continental crust is much thinner than oceanic

Answer explanation

Which layers are completely liquid?

• inner core & outer core

• outer core only

• outer core & mantle

Answer explanation

Made of molten (melted) metal; the outer core is the ONLY completely liquid layer of Earth.

Which layer is the thinnest?

• core

• mantle

• crust

Answer explanation

At only 3-5 miles thick under Earth's oceans and 5-25 miles thick under Earth's continents, the crust is the thinnest layer.

What happens to the temperature as you go deeper down inside Earth?

• it increases

• it decreases

• it stays the same

Answer explanation

Which best describes the crust?

• molten (melted) metal

• hot, solid rock

• dry land and ocean floor

Answer explanation

In which layer do convection currents take place?

• core

• mantle

• crust

Answer explanation