'24: Norman: 6th: Earth's Layers

Which layer of the Earth is the outermost and thinnest?

• Mantle

• Crust

• Outer core

• Inner core

What is the main composition of the Earth's inner core?

• Rocks and silicon

• Iron and nickel

• Magnesium and aluminum

• Water and oxygen

Which layer of the Earth is responsible for generating the planet’s magnetic field?

• Mantle

• Outer core

• Crust

• Inner core

Which layer of the Earth contains tectonic plates?

• Mantle

• Crust

• Outer core

• Inner core

Which layer of the Earth is described as a hot, solid, and dense ball?

• Mantle

• Inner core

• Outer core

• Crust

Which of the following best explains why the inner core is solid while the outer core is liquid, even though both are made mostly of iron and nickel?

• The inner core is cooler than the outer core.

• The pressure in the inner core is much higher, causing it to be solid.

• The outer core contains more water.

• The inner core is closer to the surface.

If the mantle makes up 84% of Earth’s volume, what does this suggest about its size compared to the other layers?

• It is the smallest layer.

• It is the thickest and largest layer by volume.

• It is the same size as the crust.

• It is thinner than the outer core.

A geologist wants to explain how the movement of the mantle affects the crust. Which process should they describe?

• The formation of the magnetic field

• The movement of tectonic plates due to convection currents in the mantle

• The solidification of the inner core

• The melting of the crust

A student claims that the crust is the most massive layer of the Earth. Use evidence from the properties of Earth's layers to support or refute this claim.

• Support, because the crust is the thickest layer.

• Refute, because the outer core is the most massive layer, making up 67% of Earth's mass.

• Support, because the crust contains tectonic plates.

• Refute, because the mantle is the hottest layer.

Imagine you are designing a cross-section diagram of the Earth. How would you order the layers from the surface to the center, and what key characteristic would you use to distinguish each layer?

• Crust, mantle, outer core, inner core; thickness

• Mantle, crust, inner core, outer core; color

• Crust, outer core, mantle, inner core; temperature

• Inner core, outer core, mantle, crust; density