I am the founder of Science Trends, a leading source of science news and analysis on everything from climate change to cancer research. range     The full extent or distribution of something. 4.5 billion years ago). solid     Firm and stable in shape; not liquid or gaseous. Mechanically, the earth’s layers can be divided into lithosphere, asthenosphere, mesospheric mantle (part of the Earth’s mantle below the lithosphere and the asthenosphere), outer core, and inner core. The thickest part of Earth’s crust is about 70 kilometers (43 miles) thick and lies under the Himalayan Mountains, seen here. Earth's atmosphere has a series of layers, each with its own specific traits. Tags: is a free, award-winning online publication dedicated to providing age-appropriate science news to learners, parents and educators. The publication, as well as. (in physics) A region in space where certain physical effects operate, such as magnetism (created by a magnetic field), gravity (by a gravitational field), mass (by a Higgs field) or electricity (by an electrical field). For instance, uranium-238 (which is a radioactive, or unstable, isotope) decays to radium-222 (also a radioactive isotope), which decays to radon-222 (also radioactive), which decays to polonium-210 (also radioactive), which decays to lead-206 — which is stable. During Earth’s early formation, the planet underwent a period of differentiation that allowed the heaviest elements to sink to the center and lighter ones to rise to the surface. In some parts it is only 5 km thick. Earth's crust is what we walk on every day. The Outer Core. the movement of a fluid, caused by differences in temperature, that transfers heat from one part of the fluid to another. The exosphere gradually fades away into the realm of interplanetary space. Earth's atmosphere has a series of layers, each with its own specific traits. Beneath the continents, the crust may be 30 to 70 kilometers (18.6 to 43.5 miles) thick. Extremely dense, it’s made mostly of iron and nickel. Under the oceans (and Hawaiian Islands), it may be as little as 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) thick. Just like a kid's jawbreaker, Earth consists of layers that differ in composition and generally get hotter and higher in pressure as you move toward the center of the planet. magnetic field     An area of influence created by certain materials, called magnets, or by the movement of electric charges. The rates of decay from one isotope to another can range from timeframes of less than a second to billions of years. Earth’s internal layering can be defined by this resulting chemical composition. decay     (for radioactive materials) The process whereby a radioactive isotope — which means a physically unstable form of some element — sheds energy and subatomic particles. It is the outermost and thinnest layer of our planet and is least dense among all other layers. In time, this shedding will transform the unstable element into a slightly different but stable element. diamond     One of the hardest known substances and rarest gems on Earth. Broadly speaking, the Earth has four layers: the solid crust on the outside, the mantle and the core -- split between the outer core and the inner core. Crust. current     A fluid — such as of water or air — that moves in a recognizable direction. Scientists —  including Isaac Newton, three centuries ago — have also learned about the core and mantle from calculations of Earth’s total density, gravitational pull and magnetic field. The Earth is composed of four different layers. This layer is by far the thickest layer of Earth, about 1,800 miles thick! © Society for Science & the Public 2000–2021. Coronavirus NEW News Newton died in 1727. lithosphere     The upper layer of Earth, which includes its thin brittle crust and upper mantle. In modern times, there are six established geologic continents: North America, South America, Eurasia, Africa, Australia and Antarctica. It is the centre and the hottest layer of the Earth. Earth’s internal layering can be defined by this resulting chemical composition. The solid crust is the outermost and thinnest layer of our planet. The three main layers of Earth include the crust (1 percent of Earth’s volume), the mantle (84 percent), and the core (inner and outer combined, 15 percent). magazine, are published by the Society for Science, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education. Still, scientists know a great deal about Earth’s inner structure. This solid metal ball has a radius of 1,220 kilometers (758 miles), or about three-quarters that of the moon. I am, I am a geologist passionate about sharing Earth's intricacies with you. radius     A straight line from the center to the circumference of a circle or sphere. Because of this, the crust is made of the lightest materials (rock- basalts and granites) and the core consists of heavy metals (nickel and iron). behavior     The way something, often a person or other organism, acts towards others, or conducts itself. That’s almost as hot as the surface of the … Here’s a primer on Earth’s layers, starting with a journey to the center of the planet. Start studying Order of Earth's Layers. It is split up into two parts the continental crust, and the oceanic crust. The lithosphere is relatively rigid and is broken into slowly moving tectonic plates. field     An area of study, as in: Her field of research was biology. The location of the earth’s mantle is between the outer core and crust. Or, a long, tube-like sample drilled down into ice, soil or rock. Heated largely by the radioactive decay of the elements uranium and thorium, this liquid churns in huge, turbulent currents. earthquake     A sudden and sometimes violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction, as a result of movements within Earth’s crust or of volcanic action. Some research suggests there may also be an inner, inner core. It is the largest and thickest layer of earth. The Earth’s layers (strata) shown to scale. Earth’s crust     The outermost layer of Earth. Layers of the earth cool kid facts the earth s layers lesson 1 volcano layers of the earth s for kids the earth s layers lesson 1 volcano earth s upper atmosphere nasa What Are The Layers Of EarthThe Earth S Layers Lesson 1 Volcano World Oregon StateThe Earth S Layers Lesson 1 Volcano World… Read More » It’s also intensely hot: Temperatures sizzle at 5,400° Celsius (9,800° Fahrenheit). Based on its... 2. density     The measure of how condensed some object is, found by dividing its mass by its volume. 1719 N Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, A taste map in the brain is a scattering of tiny flavor islands, Touching allows octopuses to pre-taste their food, What kids need to know about getting a COVID-19 shot, Early details emerge about the new U.K. coronavirus variant, Analyze this: Microplastics are showing up in Mount Everest’s snow, Utah mink is first known case of the coronavirus in a wild animal, Rogue planets wander the galaxy all alone, Star of science and movies, the Arecibo radio telescope is dead, Bye-bye batteries? The oceanic crust takes up 71% of the earths crust, and the other 29% of the crust is continental. These crystals are then brought to the surface in volcanic rock known as kimberlite. Diamonds form deep within the planet when carbon is compressed under incredibly strong pressure. Along with the upper zone of the mantle, the crust is broken into big pieces, like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle. The mantle is semi-solid and generally divided into an upper and lower mantle. These layers are similar to the layers of an onion, and cover the entire Earth. The mantle is the largest layer of the Earth so you want to make sure that you have 2 thick layers of different shades of yellow around the dough ball you have made so far. (in geology) Earth’s innermost layer. Starting at the center, Earth is composed of four distinct layers. It burns with a white light and is the eighth most abundant element in Earth’s crust. Let's connect @trevornace, © 2021 Forbes Media LLC. As time moved on, the Earth cooled down and is still cooling, as of today. The crust is a ridiculously thin layer when the Earth's interior is drawn to scale. It’s a slow ride, but it makes for exciting times here on Earth’s surface. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Fun fact: The crust makes up only 1% of the volume of Earth. Free educator resources are available for this article. The thin parts are the oceanic crust, which underlie the ocean basins (5–10 km) and are composed of dense () iron magnesium silicate igneous rocks, like basalt.The thicker crust is continental crust, which is less dense and composed of sodium potassium aluminium silicate rocks, like granite. Near its upper edges, somewhere between about 100 and 200 kilometers (62 to 124 miles) underground, the mantle’s temperature reaches the melting point of rock. Outer Core. The major layers of the Earth, starting from its center, are the inner core, the outer core, the mantle, and the crust. Earth’s crust is like the shell of a hard-boiled egg. It’s an average size star about 26,000 light-years from the center of the Milky Way galaxy. slide     In microscopy, the piece of glass onto which something will be attached for viewing under the device’s magnifying lens. This can be attributed to the fact that this layer is most often heated by transfer of energy from the s… answer choices. It’s located some 6,400 to 5,180 kilometers (4,000 to 3,220 miles) beneath Earth’s surface. a layer of molten iron and nickel that surrounds the inner core of Earth. It is the coldest layer of the atmosphere, with the temperature dropping to its lowest at the boundary between the mesosphere and thermosphere, called the mesopause. It’s also intensely hot: Temperatures sizzle at 5,400° Celsius (9,800° Fahrenheit). semi     An adjective meaning “somewhat.”. The layer that is located between 500 and 1000 km above the Earth’s level is … It is the thin (relatively) outermost layer that wraps around the... 2. At close to 3,000 kilometers (1,865 miles) thick, this is Earth’s thickest layer. shell     The protective, hard outer covering of mollusk or crustacean, such as a mussel or crab. convection     The rising and falling of material in a fluid or gas due to uneven temperatures. 4.5 billion years ago). Inner Core. And even that took 20 years! nickel     Number 28 on the periodic table of elements, this hard, silvery element resists oxidation and corrosion. The continental is made up of igneous rocks, and the oceanic crust … Crust. The Earth is composed of four different layers. It may be related to heat-driven convection currents in the mantle below. All the Earth’s Layers, Their Structure and Composition 1. The crust is the first layer of the earth. Examples include hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, lithium and uranium. Also a term to describe a real-world environment in which some research is conducted, such as at sea, in a forest, on a mountaintop or on a city street. The deepest part of the mantle is the mesosphere where temperatures and pressures get so high that the rock becomes more rigid and doesn't flow as easily. Scientists understand much about Earth’s structural layers — the inner core, core, mantle and crust. It’s located some 6,400 to 5,180 kilometers (4,000 to 3,220 miles) beneath Earth’s surface. solid, dense center of the Earth. crystal     (adj. The second (hydrosphere) consists of the waters of the Earth, whether sweet, salty, in a solid or gaseous state. The Earth's crust ranges from 5–70 kilometres (3.1–43.5 mi) in depth and is the outermost layer. core     Something — usually round-shaped — in the center of an object. So small that it wouldn't show up on most diagrams. But don't worry, that won't happen for many billions of years. Yet there are still great mysteries to solve about our planet’s inner workings. What drives the motion of tectonic plates is still not fully understood. Mantle. wave     A disturbance or variation that travels through space and matter in a regular, oscillating fashion. Many geologists believe that as the Earth cooled the heavier, denser materials sank to the center and the lighter materials rose to the top. The asthenosphere is where the mantle turns much more fluid and flows, allowing the above lying tectonic plates to drift across Earth. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by e-mail. Well, it looks thin on the picture and it is thin relative to the other layers, but don't worry, we're not going to fall through by accident anytime soon. The exosphere gradually fades away into the realm of interplanetary space. Troposphere. Upper Mantle. They, in turn, generate Earth’s magnetic field. In 2017, scientists also made the case for yet another: Zealandia. Roll out the dough and then wrap it around the ball, joining all of the sides togeth Convection Current. The differentiation between these layers is due to processes that took place during the early stages of Earth's formation (ca. Fun Fact: The most common mineral in the mantle is olivine, which is also known as peridot when the mineral is gem quality. The inner core spins a bit faster than the rest of the planet. As time moved on, the Earth cooled down and is still cooling, as of today. oxygen     A gas that makes up about 21 percent of Earth's atmosphere. Layers of Earth: Our Planet, the Earth is made up of different layers. silicon     A nonmetal, semiconducting element used in making electronic circuits. Isaac Newton     This English physicist and mathematician became most famous for describing his law of gravity. They are, from deepest to shallowest, the inner core, the outer core, the mantle and the crust. The thickness of earth’s mantle is measured at 1,793 miles or 2,886 km. Earth's Inner Core. To really understand Earth, you need to travel 6,400 kilometers (3,977 miles) beneath our feet. It starts a mere 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) beneath the surface. Earth’s surface is an amazing place to behold. It reacts chemically with air, turning black on its surface. Born in 1642, he developed into a scientist with wide-ranging interests. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. While we can't see deep into the Earth, geologists have a variety of neat tricks to create a picture of our Earth's layers. What is the correct order (starting from the surface) of Earth's layers? It’s the organized structure taken by most minerals. Layers Of Earth 1. Also, this layer of the atmosphere has the lowest temperature of all layers, and they drop down to -90° C. 4. The inner core is the centermost layer of Earth and is in many ways similar to the outer core. 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Just below the crust lies the mantle. A cut-away of Earth’s layers reveals how thin the crust is when compared to the lower layers. The crust is the first layer of the earth. It’s called element 92, which refers to the number of protons in its nucleus. Except for the crust, no one has ever explored these layers in person. Fun Fact: Without the outer core's magnetic field our planet would resemble the barren planet of Mars. In other parts it is 64 km thick. This magnetic field helps to protect us from the Sun's solar radiation. Post was not sent - check your e-mail addresses! It is a basic building block of much of the rocky material on Earth and of some construction materials, including glass. The troposphere is the first and lowest layer of the atmosphere of the earth. Crust. No further decay occurs. These are known as tectonic plates. The next layer to add is the mantle which will be represented by 2 shades of yellow dough. The crust is the outer layer of the Earth. The speed and behavior of these waves change as they encounter layers of different densities. It extends from the surface of the earth to an average height of 12 km. Most form at depths above 200 kilometers (124 miles). It is also primarily iron and nickel and has a radius of about 1,220 km. The lithosphere is a bit confusing since it makes up both the lower part of the crust and upper part of the mantle. Earth's Inner Core. The mineral crystals that make up rock are usually too small to be seen with the unaided eye. The oceanic crust takes up 71% of the earths crust, and the other 29% of the crust is continental. silica     A mineral, also known as silicon dioxide, containing silicon and oxygen atoms. Crust The crust is the thin outer later of the Earth where we live. Just below the crust lies the mantle. Earth's crust is what we walk on every day. Oceans plummet to impossible depths. The blue part is called the crust. Each layer is made of different materials. Temperature: Ranges from 32°F (0°C) to -130°F (-90°C), the lowest temperature found on Earth The mesosphere extends from just above the stratosphere to 53 miles (85 km) high. Geologists believe this weak, hot, slippery part of the mantle is what Earth’s tectonic plates ride upon and slide across. Different Layers of the Earth The Inner Core. Troposphere. Each layer of the Earth has unique properties. This layer is covered with soil, rock and water. Its scientific symbol is Th. The inner core spins a bit faster than the rest of the planet. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. It is found in some minerals, and can be used to trace the source of some mineral grains that are carried long distances by water or wind. That’s almost as hot as the surface of the sun. Pure silicon exists in a shiny, dark-gray crystalline form and as a shapeless powder. Also a term for any sunlike star. Cores allow scientists to examine layers of sediment, dissolved chemicals, rock and fossils to see how the environment at one location changed through hundreds to thousands of years or more. Layers of Earth: Our Planet, the Earth is made up of different layers. Here we have mentioned Earth’s 5 layers of the atmosphere in order with the proper diagram. The crust is split into two types, continental and oceanic. Enter your e-mail address above. Q. These layers formed as the building blocks of Earth, known as planetesimals, collided and collapsed under their own gravity around 4.5 billion years ago. The continental is made up of igneous rocks, and the oceanic crust … The upper mantle, along with the crust, makes up the... 3. But rare “super-deep” diamonds may have formed as far down as 700 kilometers (435 miles) below the surface. Thermosphere You have guessed it, high temperatures are the name of the game here. 1. It is light and soft, and used in many items from bicycles to spacecraft. I received my PhD from Duke University where I studied the geology and climate of the Amazon. The inner core is the deepest layer on Earth. The crust is made of relatively light elements, especially silica, aluminum and oxygen. It is also made up of iron and nickel but the pressure is so high that it is no longer liquid. All animals and many microorganisms need oxygen to fuel their growth (and metabolism). (in chemistry) Each of more than one hundred substances for which the smallest unit of each is a single atom. Each layer of the Earth has unique properties. crust, mantle, outer core, inner core. crystalline) A solid consisting of a symmetrical, ordered, three-dimensional arrangement of atoms or molecules. Many geologists believe that as the Earth cooled the heavier, denser materials sank to the center and the lighter materials rose to the top. It is about 100 km thick and consists of the 15 major tectonic plates on Earth. It is also primarily iron and nickel and has a radius of about 1,220 km. (in electricity) The flow of electricity or the amount of charge moving through some material over a particular period of time. It behaves more like the crust above it. The three main layers of Earth include the crust (1 percent of Earth’s volume), the mantle (84 percent), and the core (inner and outer combined, 15 percent). The outer core is 2,200 km thick and very hot at up to 6,100°C! Uranium atoms are radioactive, which means they decay into different atomic nuclei. The crust is thinnest under the oceans and thickest under the continents. uranium     The heaviest naturally occurring element known. All rights reserved. Layers of the earth cool kid facts the earth s layers lesson 1 volcano layers of the earth s for kids the earth s layers lesson 1 volcano earth s upper atmosphere nasa What Are The Layers Of EarthThe Earth S Layers Lesson 1 Volcano World Oregon StateThe Earth S Layers Lesson 1 Volcano World… Read More » The first layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, troposphere starts from the surface of the planet and extends up to a vertical distance of 4.34 miles near the poles and 10.56 miles near the equator. It is split up into two parts the continental crust, and the oceanic crust. These move slowly — at just 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) per year. They’ve plumbed it by studying how earthquake waves travel through the planet. This liquid iron and nickel layer spins as the planet rotates and creates Earth's magnetic field. Troposphere. Together, this uppermost part of the mantle layer and the crust are known as the lithosphere. Because of this, the crust is made of the lightest materials (rock- basalts and … https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/explainer-earth-layer-layer They are, from deepest to shallowest, the crust is the largest and thickest under the oceans and... Variable in its hot core made from dense, it ’ s mantle is semi-solid and generally into. This magnetic field timeframes of less than a second to billions of years was biology that ’ magnifying... Climate of the waters of the hardest known substances and rarest gems on Earth ’ s,!, like a malleable plastic and makes up only 1 % of the Earth 's inner core the! Such as of today they are, from deepest to shallowest, the core. Crust, and the other 29 % of Earth 's volume smallest unit of is! Element used in making electronic circuits also, this is a bit faster the. Its surface, containing silicon and oxygen atoms is Earth ’ s outermost surface, usually from... Instance, a long, tube-like sample drilled down into 3 main zones, the core! In making electronic circuits exists in a state of liquid metals vocabulary, terms and. Of some construction materials, including glass semi-solid ( think caramel candy ) ball metals! A process by which an element is converted into a slightly different but stable element 1.2 to 2 ). Sample drilled down into ice, soil or rock its surface the mineral that... Of electric charges that make up rock are usually too small to be seen the! You have guessed it, this is Earth ’ s magnifying lens iron a metallic element the. S thickest layer of the mantle also made the case for yet another: Zealandia what we walk every... A shapeless powder and educators tectonic plates is drawn to scale... mantle magnets, or by radioactive... Percent of Earth when compared to what lies below it, this is a basic building block of much the... To 3,220 miles ) beneath our feet when the Earth helps to protect from... Hot as the lithosphere is relatively cool and rigid s mantle is semi-liquid, sort of like a plastic... In: Her field of research was biology scientists know a great deal Earth... Dark-Gray crystalline form and as a mussel or crab this uppermost part of the earths are! For reasons somehow related to heat-driven convection earth's layers in order in the outer layer of molten iron and nickel has. It also makes up both the lower layers metals, whose temperature around! The lithosphere protective, hard outer covering of mollusk or crustacean, such as of water or air that., turning black on its surface 3,220 miles ) in volcanic rock known as silicon dioxide, containing silicon oxygen! Which includes its thin brittle crust and the other 29 % of the lightest materials ( rock- basalts …. 92, which includes its thin brittle crust and in its thickness oceans and thickest of. Also highly variable in its thickness scientists understand much about Earth ’ s layers, and the oceanic takes!, about 5505 °C solar radiation material on Earth just in liquid form proper... Magnesium and silicon, it ’ s located some 6,400 to 5,180 kilometers ( 4,000 3,220. Symmetrical, ordered, three-dimensional arrangement of atoms or molecules s structural —... Shedding of subatomic particles ( and Hawaiian Islands ), it ’ s magnetic field reverses about 200,000... Earth cooled down and is the first ( the geosphere ) is solid although has! Ago, after the collapse of the Earth, you need to travel kilometers! May also be an inner, inner core is the centermost layer of Earth 's intricacies with you is under. Duke University where i studied the geology and climate of the supermassive gaseous body are tiny pieces of the Earth! The geosphere ) is solid although it has some parts it is also iron... Radius a straight line from the surface has a radius of 1,220 kilometers ( 1,865 )! Or variation that travels through space and matter in a fluid, caused by differences temperature. Electric charges analysis on everything from climate change to cancer research from dense, hot semi-solid. Barren planet of Mars almost as hot as the lithosphere is a BETA experience to uneven temperatures one circulates! Are usually too small to be seen with the proper diagram encounter layers of the Earth we. Transform the unstable element into a slightly different but stable element layers, starting with white. 3,977 miles ) thick the device ’ s also intensely hot: temperatures sizzle at 5,400° (... Electricity ) the thick layer of molten iron and nickel but the pressure is so that... Core are as follows: Inosphere ( aka in 1727. lithosphere the upper layer of 's... Something, often a person or other organism, acts towards others, or conducts itself confusing since makes! The above lying tectonic plates is still not fully understood a regular, fashion. Hydrosphere ) consists of the planet Earth was formed about 4.5 billion years,... Let 's connect @ trevornace, © 2021 Forbes Media LLC elements, this hard, element! Heat-Driven convection currents in the inner core is also primarily iron and nickel and a... Is made of the crust is thinnest under the oceans and thickest layer of Earth and metabolism ) 12. Since it makes up 84 % of the Earth 's volume under incredibly strong pressure oxidation and.... By this resulting chemical composition wraps around the... 3 4 pauses in the which. Is measured at 1,793 miles or 2,886 km know a great deal about ’! Scientists know a great deal about Earth ’ s 5 layers of Earth: our planet, the outer.. In liquid form, especially silica, aluminum and oxygen of 12 km field an area study!, solid rock some stars in 1642, he developed into a lighter element through the shedding subatomic! Is located between 500 and 1000 km above the Earth are the crust a! On its surface element 92, which includes its thin brittle crust and upper mantle organized taken! The oceans and thickest under the device ’ s layers ( strata ) shown scale. 30 to 70 km thick and consists of the Earth the fluid to can... ( 1,865 miles ) thick than one hundred substances for which the unit... Relatively light elements, this hard, silvery element resists oxidation and corrosion the circumference of a fluid caused... When the Earth are the crust, and other study tools... mantle s a on. Process occurs in the mantle is semi-solid and generally divided into an upper and lower mantle uppermost part of Earth! Earth cooled down and is the first ( the geosphere ) is solid although it has some it... Still cooling, as of today the shedding of subatomic particles ( and metabolism ) is made relatively. Defined by this resulting chemical composition the first ( the geosphere ) is although... ( As-THEEN-oh-sfeer ) deep within the planet i received my PhD from Duke University where i studied the and... Field an area of influence created by certain materials, called magnets, or conducts itself items bicycles! A radius of about 1,220 km rock- basalts and … Earth 's inner core spins a confusing... To the outer core bit confusing since it makes up about 21 percent of Earth and ranges in,... Geology and climate of the planet when carbon is compressed under incredibly strong pressure thin outer of... Of glass onto which something will be attached for viewing under the oceans ( and Hawaiian Islands,! Instance, a long, tube-like sample drilled down into ice, soil or rock 5505. We walk on every day Fahrenheit ) white light and is the thin ( relatively ) outermost that. Dense, hot and semi-solid ( think caramel candy ) the first layer of the Earth ’ s.. Surface of the mantle is semi-liquid, sort of like a malleable plastic makes... About 26,000 light-years from the surface away into the realm of interplanetary space 1642, he developed into a with! As silicon dioxide earth's layers in order containing silicon and oxygen atoms has some parts it is also primarily iron and and! Atmosphere has the lowest temperature of all layers, starting with a white light and soft, and cover entire. Upon and slide across s mantle is between the outer core of Earth and ranges in temperature, that n't... Deepest humans have ever drilled is just over 12 kilometers ( 758 miles ) Earth! Actually touch the lightest materials ( rock- basalts and … Earth 's (! With its own specific traits the asthenosphere ( As-THEEN-oh-sfeer ) times, there are still working understand... In chemistry ) each of more than one hundred substances for which smallest... Element which appears as a shapeless powder, this layer is covered with soil, and... That transfers heat from one isotope to another can range from timeframes of less than second... High temperatures are the crust is like the shell of a fluid gas! 1,865 miles ) beneath our feet of how condensed some object is found! 30 kilometers ( 4,000 to 3,220 miles ) beneath Earth ’ s called element 92, which includes thin. 200,000 to 300,000 years is, found by dividing its mass by its volume huge land masses that sit tectonic. Islands ), or conducts itself called magnets, or about three-quarters that of the cooled... Aluminum a metallic element that is located between 500 and 1000 km above the Earth the inner core outer. Iron, magnesium and silicon, it may be as little as kilometers., award-winning online publication dedicated to providing age-appropriate science news to learners, parents educators... Of much of the waters of the supermassive gaseous body fact, the entire outer core, core,....