Introducing the Earth’s Layers Foldable Question Sheet, an indispensable tool for students and educators alike. This comprehensive resource delves into the intricacies of our planet’s structure, providing a captivating overview of the Earth’s composition, geological processes, and environmental implications.
Prepare to embark on a journey into the depths of the Earth, where you will uncover the secrets hidden within its layers. From the innermost core to the outermost atmosphere, this question sheet will guide you through the fascinating tapestry of our planet’s evolution.
Earth’s Structure: Earth’s Layers Foldable Question Sheet
The Earth’s interior is composed of four main layers: the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. Each layer has distinct characteristics, including composition, thickness, and physical properties.
Crust
The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, extending from the surface to a depth of approximately 30 kilometers. It is composed primarily of silicate rocks and is divided into two types: oceanic crust and continental crust. Oceanic crust is denser and thinner than continental crust, and is found beneath the oceans.
Mantle
The mantle is the layer beneath the crust, extending from a depth of 30 kilometers to 2,900 kilometers. It is composed primarily of silicate rocks and is solid but deformable. The mantle is divided into two layers: the upper mantle and the lower mantle.
Outer Core
The outer core is a layer of molten iron and nickel that lies beneath the mantle, extending from a depth of 2,900 kilometers to 5,150 kilometers. It is liquid and is the source of the Earth’s magnetic field.
Inner Core
The inner core is a solid ball of iron and nickel that lies at the center of the Earth, extending from a depth of 5,150 kilometers to 6,371 kilometers. It is the hottest and densest layer of the Earth.
| Layer | Density (g/cm3) | Temperature (°C) | Pressure (GPa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crust | 2.7-3.0 | 20-600 | 0-0.3 |
| Mantle | 3.3-5.7 | 1000-3700 | 0.3-136 |
| Outer Core | 10.3-12.7 | 4400-6100 | 136-363 |
| Inner Core | 12.8-13.1 | 5200-6000 | 363-400 |
Geological Processes
The Earth’s layers are constantly being shaped by geological processes, including plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and erosion.
Plate Tectonics
Plate tectonics is the movement of the Earth’s crustal plates. These plates are constantly moving, colliding, and separating, which can cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and the formation of mountains and ocean basins.
Volcanic Activity
Volcanic activity is the eruption of molten rock, ash, and gas from the Earth’s interior. Volcanic eruptions can create new landforms, such as volcanoes and lava domes, and can also release gases and ash into the atmosphere.
Erosion
Erosion is the process of wearing away of the Earth’s surface by water, wind, and ice. Erosion can create valleys, canyons, and other landforms, and can also transport sediment from one place to another.
Earth’s History
The Earth has a long and complex history, which is recorded in the geological timescale. The geological timescale is divided into four eras: the Hadean, Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic.
Hadean Eon
The Hadean Eon is the oldest era of the Earth’s history, lasting from 4.6 billion years ago to 4 billion years ago. During this time, the Earth was a molten ball and was constantly bombarded by asteroids and comets.
Archean Eon
The Archean Eon lasted from 4 billion years ago to 2.5 billion years ago. During this time, the Earth’s crust began to solidify and the first continents formed. The atmosphere and oceans also began to form.
Proterozoic Eon, Earth’s layers foldable question sheet
The Proterozoic Eon lasted from 2.5 billion years ago to 541 million years ago. During this time, the Earth’s continents continued to grow and the first multicellular organisms evolved.
Phanerozoic Eon
The Phanerozoic Eon is the youngest era of the Earth’s history, lasting from 541 million years ago to the present. During this time, the Earth’s continents continued to move and change, and the first land plants and animals evolved.
Answers to Common Questions
What is the Earth’s crust composed of?
The Earth’s crust is primarily composed of silicate minerals, such as quartz, feldspar, and mica.
How thick is the Earth’s mantle?
The Earth’s mantle extends from the base of the crust to a depth of approximately 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles).
What is the primary source of heat for the Earth’s core?
The primary source of heat for the Earth’s core is the decay of radioactive elements, such as uranium, thorium, and potassium.
