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Earth's Layers Worksheet

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Earth's Layers Worksheet

Cross-section diagram of Earth's layers

🌍 Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. Which layer of the Earth is the thickest?

Crust

Mantle

Outer core

Inner core

2. What is the approximate temperature of the inner core?

1000°C

3000°C

5000°C

7000°C

3. The outer core is composed mainly of:

Solid rock

Liquid iron and nickel

Solid iron and nickel

Molten rock

4. Which layers make up the lithosphere?

Crust

Upper mantle

Lower mantle

Outer core

5. The asthenosphere is located in which layer?

Crust

Upper mantle

Lower mantle

Outer core

6. What causes the pressure to increase as you go deeper into Earth?

Higher temperatures

Weight of overlying layers

Magnetic forces

Gravitational pull from space

🔗 Part 2: Matching Exercise

7. Match each Earth layer characteristic to the correct layer:

Characteristics:

A. Thinnest layer ____

B. Creates magnetic field ____

C. Contains convection currents ____

D. Solid due to extreme pressure ____

E. Where tectonic plates move ____

F. Made of liquid metal ____

G. Contains oceanic and continental types ____

H. Hottest layer of Earth ____

Earth Layers:

1. Crust

2. Mantle

3. Outer Core

4. Inner Core

✏️ Part 3: Fill in the Blanks

8. Complete the sentences about Earth's layers:

a) The _____________ is the thinnest layer of the Earth and where we live.

b) The _____________ is responsible for creating Earth's magnetic field.

c) Convection currents in the _____________ cause tectonic plate movement.

d) The _____________ is solid due to extreme pressure despite high temperatures.

e) The _____________ layer is partially molten and allows tectonic plates to move.

f) Both the inner and outer core are composed mainly of _____________ and _____________.

9. List the four main layers of the Earth from outermost to innermost:

1. _____________

2. _____________

3. _____________

4. _____________

10. Complete the temperature and thickness information:

a) The crust ranges from _____ to _____ km thick.

b) The mantle extends to a depth of approximately _____ km.

c) Temperatures in the outer core reach about _____ °C.

d) The inner core has a radius of approximately _____ km.

🎨 Part 4: Diagram and Explanation

11. Draw and label a cross-section of the Earth showing all four main layers. Include approximate thicknesses:
12. Explain how scientists have discovered information about Earth's internal structure without being able to dig that deep:
13. Describe one way that the movement of material in Earth's layers affects life on the surface:
14. Compare and contrast the inner core and outer core:
15. Explain why the inner core is solid while the outer core is liquid, even though the inner core is hotter:

🔬 Part 5: Research and Critical Thinking

16. Research Prompt: Choose one of the following topics to research and write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences):

How seismic waves helped scientists discover Earth's layers

The role of Earth's magnetic field in protecting life

How plate tectonics is connected to the mantle

Why the temperature increases as you go deeper into Earth

Your research findings:
17. Critical Thinking: If Earth's core cooled completely, what do you think would happen to our planet? Explain your reasoning:
18. Real-World Connection: How do volcanic eruptions provide evidence about Earth's internal structure?

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