Earth’s Layers Crust, Mantle, Core

Video https://www.khanacademy.org/science/cosmology-and-astronomy/earth-history-topic/plate-techtonics/v/structure-of-the-earth

Layering occurred early in Earth’s formation temperature within the planet increased due to radioactive decay melting occurred and the more dense materials were pulled to the core Heat from the core and radioactivity within the mantle keep the mantle hot Changes in temperature and pressure affect the physical properties and mechanical behavior of Earth materials

Crust Outermost layer Cool, rigid shell 1% of Earth’s mass Oceanic Crust and Continental Crust

Mantle Almost 2/3 of Earth’s mass Lithosphere – upper mantle and the crust Made up of mostly igneous rock Asthenosphere – partially melted due to increases in pressure and temperature

Core Heaviest (most dense) material Solid inner core Liquid outer core b/c of the extreme pressures even though the temperatures are high Solid inner core Liquid outer core Nearly 1/3 of Earth’s mass Flow of Iron in outer core – Earth’s magnetic field