Question

Jessica and Samantha were studying for their Earth Science test about the layers that make up Earth. They were having trouble remembering which layers were defined by Earth’s compositional structure, and which were defined by its physical structure. Which statement correctly lists all of Earth’s layers as defined by its compositional structure, in the correct order moving from external to internal layers?

A) Lithosphere, mantle, core
B) Crust, mantle, core
C) Lithosphere, asthenosphere, mesosphere, outer core, inner core
D) Specific knowledge of Earth's layers is needed.

Answer 1

The layers of Earth defined by its compositional structure, in the correct order from external to internal, b. are crust, mantle, and core.

Step-by-step explanation:

b. The layers of Earth categorized by its compositional structure, in the correct order from external to internal layers, are:

1. Crust: Earth's outer surface, made of rock and divided into two types: continental and oceanic crust. Continental crust is thicker, less dense, and composed mainly of granite. Oceanic crust is thinner, denser, and composed mainly of basalt.
2. Mantle: The layer surrounding the core, less dense than the core, and consists of solid rock that can behave in a plastic (deformable) manner.
3. Core: Divided into two parts: the outer core, which is liquid and composed of iron and nickel, and the inner core, which is solid and also composed of iron and nickel.