Structure of the Earth

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Structure of the Earth
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Layers

• Solid Inner Core
• Molten Outer Core
• Mesosphere
• Asthenosphere
• Lithosphere

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1. Solid Inner Core

• Dense, iron-rich material at very high
  temperatures and pressures probably of the order
  of 7,000 F (4,800 C) and at 3.5 million
  atmospheres.

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2. Molten Outer Core

• Dense, iron-rich material in a molten state, at
  temperatures of the order of 7,000 F (3,900C)
  and pressures of 1.5 million atmospheres.
• Swirling movements of material in this layer
  generate Earths changing magnetic field.

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3. Mesosphere

• Rigid lower mantle. Moderately hot, moderately
  dense rock rich in magnesium and iron silicates.
  Temperature probably about 5,400 F (3,000 C).

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4. Asthenosphere

• Plastic upper mantle. Similar in composition to
  mesosphere, but less dense and less hot 2,700 F
  (1,500 C). The material in this layer is a slow
  moving liquid.
• Convection currents generate slow-swirling
  movements in this layer that cause lithospheric
  plates to move across the Earths surface.

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5. Lithosphere

• Rigid upper mantle and Earths crust combined to
  form lithospheric plates that float on the
  asthenosphere.

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Thickness of Earths Layers