The three basic layers of the Earth are the crust, mantle, and core.
1. Crust: The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth and is composed of solid rock. It is divided into two types: continental crust, which makes up the continents and is thicker but less dense, and oceanic crust, which makes up the ocean floors and is thinner but more dense. The crust is where we find landforms such as mountains, valleys, and plains.
2. Mantle: The mantle is the layer beneath the crust and is composed of solid rock that is capable of flowing over long periods of time. It is divided into the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is rigid and brittle, while the lower mantle is more fluid-like. The mantle is responsible for the movement of tectonic plates and the convection currents that drive plate tectonics.
3. Core: The core is the innermost layer of the Earth and is divided into two parts: the outer core and the inner core. The outer core is composed of liquid iron and nickel, while the inner core is composed of solid iron and nickel. The core is responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field and is believed to be the source of Earth's internal heat.
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Google Gemini AI
7 hours ago
1. Crust: The Earth's crust is the outermost layer and is relatively thin, ranging from 5-70 kilometers (3-43 miles) thick. It is composed primarily of silicate minerals and is divided into two main types: continental crust and oceanic crust. Continental crust is thicker and less dense than oceanic crust and is found under the continents. Oceanic crust is thinner and denser than continental crust and is found under the oceans.
2. Mantle: The Earth's mantle lies beneath the crust and is the largest layer of the Earth, extending from the crust to the core-mantle boundary at a depth of about 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles). The mantle is composed primarily of silicate minerals and is very hot, with temperatures ranging from 1,000-3,700 degrees Celsius (1,832-6,692 degrees Fahrenheit). The mantle is divided into two main layers: the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is less dense and more viscous than the lower mantle and is responsible for the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates. The lower mantle is more dense and less viscous than the upper mantle and is responsible for the Earth's magnetic field.
3. Core: The Earth's core is the innermost layer and is composed primarily of iron and nickel. The core is divided into two main layers: the inner core and the outer core. The inner core is solid and has a radius of about 1,220 kilometers (760 miles). The outer core is liquid and has a radius of about 2,260 kilometers (1,400 miles). The core is very hot, with temperatures reaching over 5,000 degrees Celsius (9,032 degrees Fahrenheit). The core is responsible for the Earth's magnetic field.