Structure of the Earth's Interior


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The Earth's interior is made of rock and metal. It has four main layers:
1) the inner core: a solid metal core
2) the outer core: a liquid molten core
3) the mantle: dense and mostly solid rock
4) the crust: thin rock material

The temperature in the core is hotter than the Sun's surface. The heat causes stuff in the outer core and mantle layers to move around deep inside the Earth.

The movement of material deep within the Earth may cause large plates made of the crust and upper mantle to move slowly over the Earth’s surface. It is also possible that the movements generate the Earth's magnetic field, called the magnetosphere.

Structure of the Interior of Earth


Click on image for full size version (64K GIF)

Earth has a diameter of 12,756 km (7,972 mi). The Earth's interior consists of rock and metal. It is made up of four main layers:
1) the inner core: a solid metal core made up of nickel and iron (1200 km diameter)
2) the outer core: a liquid molten core of nickel and iron
3) the mantle: dense and mostly solid silicate rock
4) the crust: thin silicate rock material

The temperature in the core is hotter than the Sun's surface. This intense heat from the inner core causes material in the outer core and mantle to move around.

The movement of material deep within the Earth may cause large plates made of the crust and upper mantle to move slowly over the Earth’s surface. It is also possible that the movements generate the Earth's magnetic field, called the magnetosphere.

Structure of the Interior of Earth


Click on image for full size version (64K GIF)

Earth has a diameter of 12,756 km (7,972 mi). The Earth's interior consists of rock and metal. It is made up of four main layers:
1) the inner core: a solid metal core made up of nickel and iron (1200 km diameter)
2) the outer core: a liquid molten core of nickel and iron
3) the mantle: dense and mostly solid silicate rock
4) the crust: thin silicate rock material

The temperature increases rapidly up to 9000 F in the inner core. Therefore, the intense heat from the inner core causes material in the molten outer core and mantle to move around.

The movement of material deep within the Earth may cause large plates made of the crust and upper mantle, called the lithospheric plates, to move slowly over the Earth’s surface. It is also possible that these currents generate the Earth's magnetic field, called the magnetosphere.



Last modified September 6, 2002 by the Windows Team

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