Earth's Compositional Layers

Earth can be divided into three layers: the core, the mantle, and the crust. How are these three layers identified?

• by their plate tectonics

• by their structural features

• by their physical properties

• by their chemical composition

Tristan drew a simple model showing three layers of Earth. His drawing is shown. What layers of Earth did Tristan include in his drawing?

• the physical layers

• the structural layers

• the atmospheric layers

• the compositional layers

The diagram shows Earth divided into three layers. What did scientists use to decide how to divide Earth into these three separate layers?

• plate tectonics

• physical properties

• chemical composition

• structural characteristics

Madelyn drew a diagram of Earth showing one way that scientists have divided it. She included the core, the mantle, and the crust. Madelyn divided her diagram into three layers based on which of the following?

• relative density

• physical structure

• geographical location

• chemical composition

Scientists divide Earth into three main layers. Each layer has a different chemical composition. Which is the innermost layer of Earth?

• Earth’s innermost layer is the core.

• Earth’s innermost layer is the asthenosphere.

• Earth’s innermost layer is the lithosphere.

• Earth’s innermost layer is the mantle.

Which of these answers best describes the core?

• the innermost part of Earth below the mantle

• the solid outer layer of Earth above the mantle

• the hot, slow-flowing layer of material beneath the crust

• the layer of Earth on which the tectonic plates move

What COMPOSITIONAL LAYER would you travel through in the exact center of Earth?

• core

• crust

• lithosphere

• mesosphere

Imagine you could travel in a straight line through Earth from a point on one side and come out on the other side. What compositional layer would you travel through in the exact center of Earth?

• core

• crust

• lithosphere

• mesosphere

The layers are divided according to their chemical compositions. Based on the diagram, which of these statements is CORRECT?

• The mantle has more volume than the crust has.

• The crust has the greatest mass of any of the layers.

• The core is located between the crust and the mantle.

• The crust is denser than either the core or the mantle.

The three compositional layers of Earth are the core, the mantle, and the crust. Which phrase best describes the crust?

• the innermost layer of Earth’s interior below the mantle

• the thin and solid outermost layer of Earth

• the hot, slow-flowing layer of Earth’s interior above the core

• the layer of Earth on which the tectonic plates move

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3