4 Structure of the Outer Earth Crust to the Core

Earth's Crust Structure (Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - The structure of the Earth's layers turns out to be layered. Each layer also has a diversity of physical properties, composition, and even different functions. To understand what the Earth's layers consist of, read the following article.

Earth Crust Structure

Quoted from the Pontianak City Education and Culture Office website, it is explained that the main structure of the Earth's crust is divided into four, namely the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. Each layer has a different role, but the function is all the same, namely supporting life on the surface of the Earth. The following is an explanation of each layer of the Earth.

Earth Crust

The outermost layer of the Earth is called the crust. This layer is the place where life takes place. The Earth's crust is made up of tectonic plates that can move. The movement of these plates then triggers natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and so on.

The Earth's crust also has a variable thickness. What is clear, this layer is composed of many materials, especially minerals containing silicon, oxygen, aluminum, magnesium, and iron elements. In addition, the Earth's crust is still divided into two, namely as follows.

Ocean Crust

The shape is thinner but dense. Its thickness is approximately 0 to 10 Km down. It is composed of solid rocks such as basalt.

Continental Crust

This crust is thicker but lighter. It is composed of non-solid rocks such as granite. Its thickness is between 25 to 70 km. However, there are also those whose thickness reaches 80 Km, for example under mountains.

Earth mantle

In the second layer there is the Earth's mantle. This layer is the thickest and the largest part of the volume of the Earth. This layer consists of silicate rocks containing magnesium and iron. The Earth's mantle has a high temperature, but because the pressure is also large. Because of this condition, some parts of it are liquid-like and flow very slowly.

Outer Core

The outer core is an even deeper layer, consisting of a layer of liquid metal. The outer core is estimated to have a high temperature of thousands of degrees Celsius. The liquid metal that coats the Earth is able to generate electric currents and the Earth's magnetic field. This magnetic field is useful for life on Earth, one of which is protecting from solar radiation.

Inner Core

The Earth's central layer is called the Earth's core. This layer is a solid ball composed of various materials, especially iron and nickel. The temperature of the Earth's core is said to be very hot, even approaching the surface temperature of the Sun.

The Earth's core rotates but its speed is different from other planets. The Earth's core layer is a source of heat for the Earth's mantle and crust layers.

That's the information related to the structure of the Earth's layers. Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.