This diagram shows the different layers found inside the Earth.
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Structure of the Interior of Earth

The Earth's interior is made of rock and metal. It has four main layers:
1) the inner core: a solid metal core
2) the outer core: a liquid molten core
3) the mantle: dense and mostly solid rock
4) the crust: thin rock material

The temperature in the core is hotter than the Sun's surface. The heat causes stuff in the outer core and mantle layers to move around deep inside the Earth.

The movement of material deep within the Earth may cause large plates made of the crust and upper mantle to move slowly over the Earth’s surface. It is also possible that the movements generate the Earth's magnetic field, called the magnetosphere.

Last modified January 18, 2010 by Lisa Gardiner.

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