Question

What are the different layers of the earth?

Answer 1

Earth

The only planet in the solar system on which life is known to exist is the earth.

Layers of earth

The crust, mantle, and core are the three layers that make up the earth’s interior.

The crust:

The crust is the earth’s outermost solid layer. It’s fragile.

1. The crust thickness varies between oceanic and continental places.
2. When compared to continental crust, the oceanic crust is thinner.
3. In the locations of significant mountain systems, the continental crust is thicker.
4. The crust is made up of heavier rocks with a density of $3\mathrm{g}/{\mathrm{cm}}^3$.
5. Basalt is the type of rock found in the oceanic crust.
6. Silica (Si) and Aluminium (Al) are major constituent minerals. Hence it is often termed SIAL. Also, sometimes SIAL is used to refer to the Lithosphere.

The mantle:

The portion of the interior beyond the crust is called the mantle. It is in a solid state.

1. Its density is higher than that of the crust.
2. The thickness varies between $10$ and $200\mathrm{kilometres}$.
3. From Moho’s discontinuity to a depth of $2,900\mathrm{km}$, the mantle extends.
4. The upper portion of the Mantle is known as the asthenosphere.
5. It is the chief source of magma that finds its way to the surface during volcanic eruptions.
6. The crust and the uppermost part of the mantle are called the lithosphere.
7. The major constituent elements of the mantle are Silicon and Magnesium and hence it is also termed SIMA.

The core:

At a depth of $2,900\mathrm{kilometers}$, the core-mantle border is found.

1. The inner core has a solid-state, whereas the outer core has a liquid state.
2. The core is made up of extremely dense material, primarily nickel and iron. As a result, it’s also known as the ‘nife’ layer.

Therefore, the earth has an outer solid layer called the crust, a highly viscous layer called the mantle, and a liquid layer that is the outer part of the core.