Download Layers of the Earth

Layers of the Earth:
Name___________________
Read through the information below. Then complete the “Fill-Ins” at the bottom of page.
The structure of the earth is made of several layers. Each layer has unique characteristics and
functions. The uppermost layer is the Earth’s crust, which is made of solid rock material. The
crust is broken into two types; Continental crust which averages about 25 miles thick, and
Oceanic crust which averages about 4 miles thick. Together this top layer is called the
Lithosphere and is the uppermost part of the Mantle. Just below the lithosphere is the
Asthenosphere. The asthenosphere is a layer
of solid rock that has so much pressure and
heat that the rocks can move like a thick
liquid. This allows crustal material to float and
move around the earth causing plate
tectonics. The asthenosphere averages about
100 miles thick, but can be as thick as 400
miles in some locations. Together, the
lithosphere and the asthenosphere make up
the Upper Mantle.
The next layer is the Lower Mantle. The lower
mantle can be over 1700 miles thick and
contains over 80% of the earth’s volume. The lower mantle is comprised of super heated
rocks and minerals. Temperatures in the lower
mantle can reach over 7000 degrees
Fahrenheit. Even at these high temperatures the rocks are only semi-solid due to the extreme
pressure from the rocks above. Deeper inside the earth is the Outer Core. This layer is made of
liquid nickel and iron that slowly flows around the core. Scientists believe this layer is responsible
for the earth’s magnetic field. At the center of the earth is the Inner Core. The inner core is about
750 miles in radius and is believed to be solid nickel and iron. The temperature at the center is
estimated to be over 9000 degrees Fahrenheit. Geologists are currently collecting new
information about the earth’s layers in hopes to better understand the geology of the planet.
Complete the statement “Fill-Ins’ by using information from the above reading.
1 – Oceanic crust and __________________ crust make up the uppermost layer of the earth.
2 – Continental crust averages about ________ miles thick.
3 – The Upper Mantle contains the ______________________ and ______________________.
4 – The Asthenosphere can be as much as _______ miles thick.
5 – At over 1700 miles thick, the _________________ contains super heated rocks and minerals.
6 – Temperatures in the lower mantle can reach over __________ degrees Fahrenheit.
7 – The outer core is thought to be responsible for the earth’s ___________________ field.
8 –The Inner Core is thought to be made of solid ______________ and _______________.
GES - Activity
Layers of the Earth:
Name___________________
Color the Layers of the Earth by creating your own color key next to the diagram.
Color Key
Lithosphere
Asthenosphere
Lower Mantle
Outer Core
Inner Core
Match the correct description with the correct Layer of the Earth using the word bank.
-- Word Bank -Lithosphere
Upper Mantle
Asthenosphere
Outer Core
Layer of earth that contains
over 80% of the earth’s volume and can be
1700 miles thick.
______________________
Layer of earth that contains
Continental and
Oceanic Crust.
______________________
This layer can move like a
thick liquid and averages
about 100 miles thick.
This layer contains both the
Lithosphere and the
Asthenosphere.
_____________________
_____________________
Lower Mantle
Inner Core
Layer of earth that is made
of solid iron and nickel. May
be over 9000 degrees
Fahrenheit.
______________________
This layer contains liquid
iron and nickel and may
influence the earth’s magnetic field.
_____________________
GES - Activity