The different layers of the Earth are called the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.
Layers of the Earth
- Crust: The outermost solid layer where we live, consisting of continental crust (land) and oceanic crust (under oceans). It varies in thickness from about 0 to 60 km.
- Mantle: A thick, mostly solid but sometimes semi-molten layer beneath the crust extending about 2,900 km deep. It is made of hot dense rocks and is responsible for tectonic plate movement.
- Outer Core: A liquid layer composed mainly of hot metals like iron and nickel, surrounding the inner core, about 1,400 miles thick. Temperatures range from approximately 4,000°F to 9,000°F.
- Inner Core: The solid, hottest central part of the Earth, primarily iron and nickel, with temperatures up to 5,500°C (about 9,932°F).
These layers together form the Earth’s internal structure and greatly differ in composition, state (solid/liquid), and temperature.