Earth's Layers & Convection Currents

Front

What are the three main layers of the Earth?

Back

The three main layers of the Earth are the crust, mantle, and core.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid layer of the Earth's surface made up of the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Back

Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) caused by differences in temperature and density.

Front

How does temperature change as you go deeper into the Earth?

Back

Temperature increases as you go deeper into the Earth.

Front

How does pressure change as you go deeper into the Earth?

Back

Pressure increases as you go deeper into the Earth.

Front

What is the difference between the lithosphere and the asthenosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, while the asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer beneath it that allows for the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What role do convection currents play in the Earth's mantle?

Back

Convection currents in the Earth's mantle drive the movement of tectonic plates and contribute to geological processes such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Front

What is density, and how does it relate to why ice floats?

Back

Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance. Ice floats because it is less dense than liquid water.

Front

What is the core of the Earth primarily made of?

Back

The core of the Earth is primarily made of iron and nickel.