Earths Structure

Question 0

What is the crust

Answer 0

Thin outer layer, solid rock, average 20km

Question 1

What are the 3 main parts to the earths structure

Answer 1

Crust, mantle, core

Question 2

What is the lithosphere?

Answer 2

Crust and upper mantle - tectonic plates
Cold and rigid
100km thick

Question 3

What is the mantle

Answer 3

Solid section between crust and core - gets more fluid close to core

Question 4

What is the core?

Answer 4

Centre of earth.
Just over half earths radius
Inner core solid (compressed liquid), outer core liquid

Question 5

What are tectonic plates?

Answer 5

Big interlocking jigsaw pieces on surface. Less dense than mantle

Question 6

What happens when plates move?

Answer 6

Move 2.5 cm per year

Causes volcanoes and earthquakes

Question 7

How are seismic waves made?

Answer 7

Earthquakes or man made explosions

Used to study earths structure

Question 8

What are seismic waves used for?

Answer 8

By measuring the time it takes for different waves to travel you can tell if the wave has been through solid or liquid and get information about the structure of the earth
P waves travel through solids and liquids
S waves travel through solids (mantle)