1. Differentiation And Structure
Earth
Differentiation
And
Structure

2. Differentiation
As the newly formed Earth was still liquid denser elements dropped to the core of the Earth
and less dense elements floated up.
Thus the Earth was divided into layers.
This process is known as differentiation
Most metals sank
Lighter compounds, made of Oxygen and Silicon called silicates, rose to the surface.

3. The Layers of the Earth
The Earth can be divided into four layers

4. The Inner Core Has a radius of about 1200 km (750 miles) Is solid
Is composed Iron and Nickel
About 6500 K

5. The Outer Core Extends from 1200 to 3500km from Earth’s center
Is liquid
Is composed of mostly Iron, Nickel and perhaps Sulfur
Convection currents carry heat from the inner core to Mantle

6. Mantle Extends from 3500 to about 6300 km from Earth’s Center
Is solid but flows
Composed mostly of heavier silicates like olivine.
Also has slow currents that carry heat to
and affect the Crust

7. The Crust The last 20 -70 km to the surface. Is solid and rigid
Is composed of lighter silicates like Quartz
Is shattered into pieces that are shoved around by currents in the Mantle