The Structure of the Earth
The earth is structure into 4 layers, each with different states and temperatures.
2) The mantle is the thickest layer at 2,890 kilometres. The temperature varies, from 500 to over 4000 degrees celsius. The mantle is in a partially solid state, where only in the low velocity zone is it molten rock. This is where seismic waves pass through slower. 3) The outer core is a liquid state, and is 2,266 kilometres deep. The temperatures range from 4400 degrees to 6100 degrees. Because of the high temperatures the liquid of the outer core is shown to be of a low viscosity. It is composed of nickel and iron in most parts of the outer core. 4) The inner core is solid, and composed of nickel/iron alloy. It is 1,220kms in depth and has temperatures as the surface of the sun, 5430 degrees. Because this is the deepest of the layers, it is also the densest. The inner core was discovered by a seismologist called Inge Lehmann in 1936. |