Name:_________________________________________Yr/Section:_______________________
Composition of the Earth's Interior
Objectives: Upon completion of this worksheet, students will be able to:
Describe the four main layers of the Earth's interior: crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.
Identify the primary chemical composition of each layer.
Explain the physical state (solid, liquid, or semi-molten) of each layer.
Relate the physical state of each layer to the pressure and temperature conditions within the Earth.
Concept Note:
The Earth is not uniform throughout. Instead, it's composed of distinct layers, each with unique characteristics
resulting from the planet's formation and ongoing geological processes. These layers are differentiated
primarily by their chemical composition and physical properties, which are largely determined by the immense
pressure and temperature gradients within the Earth.
Crust: The outermost, thinnest layer. It's relatively cool and rigid. There are two types: oceanic crust (denser,
basaltic) and continental crust (less dense, granitic).
Mantle: A much thicker layer beneath the crust. It's primarily composed of silicate minerals rich in iron and
magnesium. The upper mantle is relatively rigid, but the lower mantle is more ductile (able to flow slowly over
long periods).
Outer Core: A liquid layer composed mostly of iron and nickel. Its movement generates Earth's magnetic field
through a process called the geodynamo.
Inner Core: A solid sphere at the Earth's center, also composed mostly of iron and nickel. Despite the
extremely high temperature, the immense pressure prevents it from being liquid.
The pressure and temperature increase dramatically with depth within the Earth. This affects the physical state
of the materials: at shallower depths, materials are cooler and under less pressure, tending to be solid. At
greater depths, the increased pressure and temperature can cause materials to become liquid or semi-molten.
Activities:
Part 1: Matching
Match the layer of the Earth with its description:
1. Crust a. Liquid layer, mostly iron and nickel, generates Earth's magnetic field
2. Mantle b. Solid, mostly iron and nickel, under immense pressure
3. Outer Core c. Thinnest layer, composed of oceanic and continental types
4. Inner Core d. Thickest layer, mostly silicate minerals, semi-molten
Part 2: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks using the words provided: pressure, temperature, solid, liquid, semi-molten, increases,
decreases, denser, less dense
As depth within the Earth _______________, both _______________ and _______________
_______________.
The crust is _______________ than the mantle.
The outer core is in a _______________ state.
The inner core is _______________, despite its high _______________.
The mantle is primarily _______________, but behaves _______________ over geological timescales.
Part 3: Short Answer
Answer the following questions in complete sentences:
Why is the inner core solid even though it's extremely hot?
What is the geodynamo, and which layer of the Earth is responsible for it?
What are the main differences between oceanic and continental crust?
How does the density of Earth's layers change as you go deeper into the planet?
Part 4: Diagram
Draw a cross-section diagram of the Earth, labeling the four main layers. Include a brief description of each
layer's composition and state.
