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Layers of the Earth
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Continental Crust | The Earth's outer layer of rock that composes the continents (made of granite) |
Oceanic Crust | The Earth's layer of rock which composes the dense basalt ocean floor |
Lithosphere | The combination of the crust and the rigid, uppermost mantle that moves as a unit; divided into plates |
Magma | Molten material found beneath Earth's surface |
Convection Current | Circular motions in the Earth's mantle caused by the rising and falling of molten material that is undergoing changes in temperature and density |
Mantle | The middle layer of the Earth found between the crust and the core; composed of hot, solid rock (mantle = middle) |
Asthenosphere | The weaker upper portion of the Earth's mantle |
Inner Core | The dense innermost layer of Earth composed of solid iron and nickel |
Outer Core | The layer of Earth composed of liquid nickel and iron |
Density | The ratio of mass of a substance to the volume of a substance |
Pressure | The force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object |
Composition | The chemical make-up of a rock, mineral, or other substance |