Earth's Formations

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

• Asthenosphere
• Inner core
• Outer core
• Physical properties

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The elements that make up a substance.

• Chemical composition

• Inner core

• Crust

• Temperature

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

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

• Crust
• Physical properties
• Lithosphere
• Plate tectonic theory

The amount of matter in a given space or volume; it is a relationship between mass and volume. Less dense matter will form layers above denser matter.

• Density
• States of matter
• Physical properties
• Inner core

The divisions of the composition of Earth determined by either chemical composition or by the physical state of matter.

• Earth's layers
• Outer core
• Plate tectonic theory
• Mantle

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

• Inner core
• Plate tectonic theory
• Plasticity
• Outer core

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.

• Lithosphere
• Earth's layers
• States of matter
• Plasticity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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

• Mantle
• Lithosphere
• Earth's layers
• Pressure

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

• Outer core
• Mantle
• Density
• States of matter

Characteristics that can be observed or measured; for example, color, melting point, and conductivity.

• Physical properties

• Rock cycle

• Inner core

• Crust

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4