This diagram shows the different layers found inside the Earth.
Click on image for full size
Windows Original.
Structure of the Interior of Earth
Earth has a diameter of approximately 12,756 km (7,972 mi). The Earth's interior consists of rock and metal. It is made up of four main layers:
1) the inner core: a solid metal core made up of nickel and iron (2440 km diameter)
2) the outer core: a liquid molten core of nickel and iron
3) the mantle: dense and mostly solid silicate rock
4) the crust: thin silicate rock material
The temperature increases rapidly up to 9000 F in the inner core. Therefore, the intense heat from the inner core causes material in the molten outer core and mantle to move around.
The movement of material deep within the Earth may cause large plates made of the crust and upper mantle, called the lithospheric plates, to move slowly over the Earth’s surface. It is also possible that these currents generate the Earth's magnetic field, called the magnetosphere.
Last modified January 18, 2010 by Lisa Gardiner.
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