1. Lesson: Lesson:Earths Interior Can we explore inside earth? The extreme temperature and pressure conditions inside of Earth’s interior prevent direct exploration by geologist. What is a geologist? Scientist who study the origin, history and structure of the Earth. How do geologist study earth’s interior? Geologist have used two main types of evidence to learn about earths interior: direct evidence from rock samples and indirect evidence from seismic waves.

2. What are seismic waves? Vibrations that travel through earth. Using the data from seismic waves – the speed that they travel and the paths that they take, geologists have learned that the earth is made up of several layers. What are the layers? From outermost to innermost the layers are the crust, mantle and the core. Each layer varies greatly in size, composition, temperature and pressure.

3. What is the crust? This is the layer of solid rock that forms the earth’s outer skin. It includes both dry land and ocean floor. The crust is the thickest under mountains and thinnest at the ocean floor. Oceanic crust consists of rocks such as basalt. Continental crust consists of rock such as granite.

4. The Crust The Crust Earth’s hard outer shell Earth’s hard outer shell Light and brittle Light and brittle It is cooler and more rigid than the core and mantle It is cooler and more rigid than the core and mantle

5. What is the mantle? The layer of hot, solid rock beneath the crust. This is also where magma resides. This portion of earth’s interior is divided into layers based on physical characteristics. What are the layers of the mantle? The lithosphere, asthenosphere and lower mantle. LithosphereThis is the uppermost part of the mantle and is similar (rigid/solid) to the crust.

6. AsthenosphereThis part of the mantle is somewhat soft and can bend. Although it is softer than the lithosphere, it is still solid. Lower MantleLocated below the asthenosphere this portion of the mantle is solid all of the way to the core.

7. The Mantle Thick shell of rock surrounding the outer core Thick shell of rock surrounding the outer core Part of the mantle is flexible, allowing it to bend Part of the mantle is flexible, allowing it to bend Makes up most of the Earth’s mass Makes up most of the Earth’s mass

8. Layers of the Mantle

9. What is the core? This is the inner most layer of the earth. Composed of the metals iron and nickel. Contains an outer portion and an inner portion. Outer core This is a layer of liquid (molten) metal that surrounds the inner core. Inner coreMade up of a dense ball of solid metal. Extreme pressure squeezes the atoms of iron and nickel so much that they cannot spread out and become liquid.

10. The Earth’s Core The core is at the center of the Earth The core is at the center of the Earth The center is solid The center is solid The outer layer is so hot it is molten The outer layer is so hot it is molten

11. Why is the inside of the earth hot? It is hot as a result of the heat left over from the formation of the planet. Also, the interior is further heated from the release of energy from radioactive substances inside the earth.

12. Summary Questions 1. Label the picture to the right. 2. What is the main type of rock in the oceanic crust? 3. What are the layers of the mantle from top to bottom? 4. What is the main difference between the outer core and inner core? ????? ????? ????? ?????

13. Summary Answers 1. SEE BELOW. 2. The main type of rock in the oceanic crust is basalt. 3. The layers from outside to inside are the lithosphere, asthenosphere and lower mantle. 4. The outer core has the characteristics of a liquid and the inner core is solid. INNER CORE MANTLE OUTER CORE CRUST