Layers of Earth

Which of the following lists Earth's layers in order from outermost to innermost?

• inner core, outer core, mantle, crust

• mantle, outer core, inner core, crust

• crust, mantle, outer core, inner core

Answer explanation

Which best describes the mantle?

• molten (melted) metal

• hot, slow flowing rock

• dry land and ocean floor

Answer explanation

The mantle is made of a very viscous rock made of iron, nickel, silicon, aluminum, and magnesium.

What do geologists call the crust and uppermost mantle?

• lithosphere

• mesosphere

• asthenosphere

Answer explanation

The lithosphere is the uppermost mantle and all of the crust.

Which layer is responsible for Earth’s magnetic field?

• inner core

• outer core

• mantle

Answer explanation

The liquid metal that makes up the outer core passes through a magnetic field, which causes an electric current to flow within the liquid metal...in turn, it creates its own magnetic field.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

Which of Earth’s layers is the thickest?

• core

• crust

• mantle

Answer explanation

At 1,800 miles thick, the mantle makes up more

than 84% of Earth’s total volume.

Which of Earth’s layers is the coldest?

• crust

• mantle

• core

Answer explanation

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

In which layer is the asthenosphere located?

• mantle

• core

• crust

Answer explanation

The asthenosphere is the highly viscous, soft and flowing region of the upper mantle of the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

As you go deeper down inside Earth, what happens to the density?

• it increases

• it decreases

• it stays the same

Answer explanation

In which layer do convection currents take place?

• core

• mantle

• crust

Answer explanation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which layer is the least dense?

• mantle

• crust

• core

Answer explanation