Earth's Layers and the Lithosphere
The Crust: Earth's Thin Outer Layer
The Earth's outermost layer is called the crust. It's incredibly thin compared to the rest of the Earth. The crust
is where we find continents, oceans, and everything we know on the Earth's surface. Interestingly, the thickness of
the crust can vary quite a bit, ranging from about 5 miles deep in some places to as much as 25 miles deep. In specific
locations, like beneath massive mountain ranges, the crust can be even thicker.
The Mantle: Below the Crust
Beneath the crust lies the mantle, depicted in red in the picture. However, not all of the mantle is part of the
lithosphere. Instead, only the upper part of the mantle is considered part of it. This upper mantle is characterized by
being cool, dense, and stiff.
The Asthenosphere: The Moving Layer
Below the upper mantle is a region known as the asthenosphere. This portion of the mantle is always in
motion, like a slow, flowing river. Its movement plays a significant role in shaping our planet.
The Lithosphere and Its Relationship with the Asthenosphere
Now, what's the lithosphere? It's the combination of the Earth's crust and the upper part of the mantle we
mentioned earlier. Picture it as the Earth's solid outer shell. The lithosphere "floats" on top of the asthenosphere,
much like a boat on water.
Understanding these layers and their interactions is key to comprehending the dynamic processes that shape
our planet.
Activity 1. Use the simple text-based graphic organizer below to summarize about Earth’s layer and the lithosphere.
Earth's Layers and the Lithosphere
I. Crust: III. Asthenosphere:
- Description: - - Description:
- Location: - Characteristics:
- Thickness: - Role:
II. Mantle: IV. Lithosphere and Its Relationship with
Asthenosphere
- Description:
- Description:
- Characteristics:
- Analogy:
- Properties:
- Interaction:
V. Understanding Earth's Layers
- Importance:
Continental and Oceanic Crust
The Earth's outer shell is divided into two main types of crust: continental crust and oceanic crust. Each type has distinct
characteristics and plays a crucial role in shaping our planet's surface.
Continental Crust:
Continental crust is the part of the Earth's crust that makes up our continents. It's generally thicker, less dense, and
composed of a wide variety of rocks, including granite. Continental crust can extend for many miles beneath the Earth's
surface, with an average thickness of about 25 miles (40 kilometers). Some of the tallest mountain ranges, like the
Himalayas, are formed by the collision and buckling of continental crust.
Oceanic Crust:
In contrast, oceanic crust is found beneath the Earth's oceans. It is thinner, denser, and primarily made up of basalt
rocks. The average thickness of oceanic crust is about 4-7 miles (6-10 kilometers). Oceanic crust is continually created at
mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates pull apart, allowing molten rock from the mantle to rise and solidify, forming
new oceanic crust. It's also recycled back into the mantle at subduction zones, where one tectonic plate sinks beneath
another.
Activity 2.
A. Use the blank data table below to differentiate between continental and oceanic crusts in terms of
age, density, thickness, and composition.
Continental Crust Oceanic Crust
B. Comprehension Check-up Questions:
1. What are the two main types of Earth's crust, and where are they located?
2. How does the thickness of continental crust compare to oceanic crust?
3. What types of rocks make up continental crust, and what types make up oceanic crust?
4. Where is new oceanic crust formed, and how is it recycled back into the mantle?
5. What geological features are associated with continental crust and oceanic crust, respectively?
