Journey to Earth's Hidden Layers

Journey to Earth's Hidden Layers

Exploring the Structure of Our Planet Year 10 Earth Science New Zealand Curriculum

WALT: We Are Learning To

Identify and describe the four main layers of Earth Explain the physical properties of each layer Understand how scientists study Earth's interior Connect Earth's layers to geological processes

What's Beneath Our Feet?

Think about digging the deepest hole possible What do you think you would find? How hot do you think it gets inside Earth? Discussion: Share your predictions with a partner

Earth's Layer Discovery Timeline

The Crust: Our Rocky Foundation

Thinnest layer - like the skin of an apple Continental crust: 30-70km thick Oceanic crust: 5-10km thick Made of solid rock - granite and basalt Temperature: 0°C to 1000°C

Crust Comparison

{"left":"Continental Crust: Thicker (30-70km)\nOceanic Crust: Thinner (5-10km)\nContinental: Made of granite\nOceanic: Made of basalt","right":"Continental: Less dense\nOceanic: More dense\nContinental: Older rocks\nOceanic: Younger rocks"}

The Mantle: Earth's Hot Middle Layer

Largest layer - 84% of Earth's volume 2900km thick Made of hot, dense rock (peridotite) Temperature: 1000°C to 3700°C Mostly solid but can flow very slowly

Mantle Convection Activity

Materials: Colored water, heat source, clear container Observe how heated water rises and cooler water sinks Draw what you observe Connect this to mantle rock movement Extension: Research how this drives plate tectonics

The Outer Core: Liquid Metal Layer

2200km thick liquid layer Made of iron and nickel Temperature: 3700°C to 5000°C Creates Earth's magnetic field Liquid due to extreme heat

The Inner Core: Earth's Solid Heart

Despite temperatures of 5000°C to 6000°C, the inner core is SOLID due to extreme pressure 1200km radius sphere of iron and nickel Pressure is so intense it forces atoms together

Journey Complete: Earth's Hidden Layers Revealed

Crust: Thin, solid, rocky foundation Mantle: Thick, hot, slowly flowing rock Outer Core: Liquid iron creating magnetic field Inner Core: Solid iron under extreme pressure Each layer has unique properties and functions