2.5.2

The Structure of the Earth

Test yourself

The Structure of the Earth

There are four layers of the Earth.

Illustrative background for The crustIllustrative background for The crust ?? "content

The crust

  • The outermost layer of the Earth is the crust.
  • This is the section we stand on.
  • It is made of rock and so is a solid.
  • The thickness of the crust ranges from around 6km to 40km.
  • It is less thick at the bottom of the oceans.
  • The crust is broken into different pieces which we call tectonic plates.
Illustrative background for The mantleIllustrative background for The mantle ?? "content

The mantle

  • The mantle is the thickest section of the Earth.
  • The mantle is nearly 3000 km thick.
  • It is made of molten rock.
  • This solid rock has unusual properties as the molten rock can flow.
  • It can flow as the heat from Earth’s core produces convection currents.
  • Convection currents move the tectonic plates which may lead to Earthquakes.
Illustrative background for Outer coreIllustrative background for Outer core ?? "content

Outer core

  • The Outer Core is a liquid.
  • It is made of iron and nickel.
  • The Outer Core is responsible for and drives the Earth’s magnetic field.
Illustrative background for Inner coreIllustrative background for Inner core ?? "content

Inner core

  • The inner core is solid.
  • Like the outer core, it is made of iron and nickel.
  • In recent years, scientists have come to think that silicon makes up part of the inner core.
  • It is thought temperatures in the inner core are around 6000°C. This is about as hot as the surface of the sun.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson