Earth Layers and Density

Distinguish between the two ways to describe Earth's interior.

• Density of the layers is one way, and physical properties is another.
• Physical properties is one way, and chemical make-up of the layers is another.
• Age of the layers is one way, and density of the layers is another.
• Temperature of the layers is one way, and chemical make-up of the layers is another.

Which statement correctly compares layers of Earth's interiors?

• The outer core is less rigid than the inner core.
• The inner core is less rigid than the mesosphere.
• The asthenosphere is less rigid than the mesosphere.
• The lithosphere is less rigid than the asthenosphere.

Since the crust floats on top of a liquid and flowing upper mantle, what inference can be made about the two layers?

• The crust is less dense than the upper mantle.
• No inference can be made about the densities of the two layers.
• The crust is denser than the upper mantle.
• Both the crust and upper mantle have the same density.

The lithosphere is broken into pieces called ____.

• strata
• trenches
• atolls
• tectonic plates

Which is the correct order of Earth's compositional layers in order from thickest to thinnest?

• core, mantle, crust
• mantle, crust, core
• mantle, core, crust
• crust, core, mantle

Convection currents are believed to flow in Earth's ____.

• asthenosphere
• lithosphere
• mesosphere
• inner core

The core is made mostly of ____.

• magnesium and iron
• iron and nickel
• silica and oxygen
• iron and oxygen

The crust and upper mantle of Earth are together known as the ____.

• atmosphere
• lithosphere
• hydrosphere
• biosphere

Which is the correct order of Earth's compositional layers in order from least dense to most dense?

• inner core, outer core, mantle, crust
• crust, mantle, inner core, outer core
• crust, mantle, outer core, inner core
• mantle, outer core, inner core, crust

If the inner core is the hottest part of Earth's interior, why doesn't it melt?

• The magnetic field prevents it from melting.
• Convection currents prevent it from melting.
• Intense pressure prevents it from melting.
• It is too thick to melt.