Structure of the Earth

Structure of the Earth

Earth consists of the Crust, Mantle and Core. Crust consists of all types of rocks, soil and everything you see above the Earth’s surface. You will be surprised to know that the crust that is the land on the Earth which we walk is almost 3 times thicker than the crust under the oceans. And it extends to about 25 miles.

The Earth’s crust floats on this layer which is called the Mantle. It is made up of the thick rocky substance and amounts to about 85% of the total mass of the Earth. The first 50 miles of the mantle consists of very hard, rigid rocks. The next 150 miles are made up of the super-hot solid rocks. Below that for next several 100 miles, the Earth’s mantle is believed to made up of very solid and sturdy rock materials. The mantle is about 1800 miles thick and by far the largest layer of the Earth.

The Earth’s outer core is made of super-hot liquid molten substance called Lava. This lava is believed to be made of iron and nickel. It extends to a depth of 3000 miles beneath the Earth’s surface. The inner core extends another 900 miles towards the center of the Earth. It is believed that this inner core is a solid ball made up of iron and nickel.

Did you know, the crust occupies less than 1% of the Earth’s volume? Also, the inner core is the hottest part of the Earth and it is as hot as the surface of the sun.