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The Earth's Layers

Geography: AQA GCSE, topic 1.2.1

The Earth's Layers

The Earth has 3 layers: core, mantle, crust. Each layer has a different consistency (thickness and make-up):

Core

Core

  • The core is in the centre and split into 2 layers:
  • Inner metallic core (solid).
  • Outer core (liquid).
  • The core is the hottest part of the Earth.
Mantle

Mantle

  • The mantle surrounds the core.
  • The mantle consists of semi-molten rock.
Crust

Crust

  • The crust is a very thin outer shell of the Earth.
  • The crust is the layer we live on.
  • The crust is between 5-100 km thick.
  • The crust is floating on the semi-solid rock mantle.
  • The crust is broken into large pieces called tectonic plates.

Test yourself on The Earth's Layers

  • What are the 2 layers of the core?

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