Download Earth`s Structure Model

Moving and Shaking
RM 1
RM 1 Operation: Earth’s Structure
You are attending an international meeting of geologists. In order to properly understand the
layers of the earth, you must create a folding model. Follow the directions below and use the
information cards detailing Earth’s layers to correctly construct and label the
folding model.
1. Cut along only the dotted lines on RM 2.
2. Match the solid outline on RM 2 with the solid outline on RM 3.
3. Apply glue to the triangular area labeled “Place Glue Here” on RM 3.
4. Lay RM 2 on top of RM 3 so that the shapes match.
5. Organize the information cards in order from the inner core at the pointed end of the
cone to the crust at the top of the cone.
6. Label the first flap at the pointed end of the cone inner core.
7. Fold the flap back. Record the elements found, temperature, and state of matter of the
inner core using the information card.
8. Continue to label each flap and record the elements found, temperature, and state of
matter of each layer under its flap.
9. Color the layers a different color as follows:
•
Crust/lithosphere—green
•
Mantle/asthenosphere—yellow
•
Outer core—orange
•
Inner core—red
© 2010 TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
167
Moving and Shaking
RM 2
© 2010 TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
169
Moving and Shaking
RM 3
© 2010 TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
171
Moving and Shaking
RM 4
Earth’s Layers in Detail
The Inner Core
The deepest layer in Earth is the inner core. It is located at the center of Earth because
it contains the densest material of all of Earth’s layers. The inner core is solid and
mostly composed of the element iron (Fe). Its extremely hot temperature is estimated
at 6,000 °C. This layer is approximately 1,250 km thick.
The Outer Core
The outer core is less dense than the inner core and, therefore, is located around
the inner core. The temperatures range from 4,000 °C to 5,000 °C. The outer core is
approximately 2,200 kilometers thick and is a combination of mostly molten iron (Fe)
and nickel (Ni). Molten describes materials that change to liquid form when exposed to
extreme amounts of thermal energy.
The Mantle and Asthenosphere
The mantle is located outside the outer core. This layer is mostly made of iron (Fe) and
magnesium (Mg) and has a thickness of approximately 2,900 kilometers. The upper
mantle’s high temperatures of 2,800–3,200 °C can melt rocks. The semisolid layer in
the upper part of the mantle is called the asthenosphere. The asthenosphere is a solid
that flows like a liquid. This physical property is called plasticity. Scientists believe that
the lithosphere and the crust are able to move slowly over the top of the mantle
and asthenosphere.
The Crust and Lithosphere
The layer around the asthenosphere is known as the lithosphere. The lithosphere
is the solid outer layer of Earth that consists of the crust and the upper mantle. This
layer is made mostly of the elements oxygen (O2) and silicon (Si). The crust is the
thinnest layer of Earth and is much cooler in temperature. Continental crust is thicker
than oceanic crust. The crust is broken into many large pieces called tectonic plates.
Scientists believe these plates “float” and move around very slowly on the
semiliquid asthenosphere.
© 2010 TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
173