Interior of the Earth

 

Cracking Earth's Code: Unveiling the Layers of Our Planet. 

Have you ever looked at Earth and wondered what lies beneath its surface? Our planet is like a giant onion, with distinct layers stacked upon each other. This article dives into the fascinating world beneath our feet, exploring the chemical composition and layering system of the Earth's interior.

                                                       Interior of the Earth. (Pic Credits:NCERT)

1. Crust: The Earth's Thin Skin

  • The uppermost layer over the earth’s surface is called the crust.
  • It is the thinnest of all the layers.
  • Interestingly, the crust can be further divided into two types:

I.    Continental Crust (Sial):
·       It is about 35 km .
·       Rich in silicon (Si) and aluminum (Al), forming the building blocks of granite.
·       This "sialic" layer is thicker and less dense (around 2.9) compared to the oceanic crust.
·       It's responsible for the formation of continents.

Continent Crust and Oceanic Crust (Pic Credits: NCERT)

II.    Oceanic Crust (Sima)
·       Only 5 km. on the ocean floors.
·       Dominated by silicon (Si) and magnesium (Ma), forming the "simatic" layer.
·       Basalt is the most common rock found here.
·       Oceanic crust is thinner and denser (ranging from 2.9 to 4.7) than continental crust.

2. The Mantle: Earth's Bulky Middle Ground

  •  Deeper than the crust lies the mantle, a massive zone extending a whopping 2,900 kilometers.
  •  This layer is primarily composed of silicate rocks rich in iron and magnesium.
  • Just like the crust, the mantle can be further categorized:

I.  Upper Mantle
·       The topmost part of the mantle, along with the crust, forms the rigid lithosphere.
·       The remaining upper mantle, known as the asthenosphere, is believed to be in a partially molten state.
·       The immense heat from the core is thought to drive convection currents within the asthenosphere, playing a crucial role in plate tectonics.
       II. Lower Mantle  
·       As we venture deeper, the lower mantle becomes progressively denser and more rigid.
·        Temperatures here can reach a scorching 5,000°C, possibly contributing to the generation of the aforementioned convection currents.
                                        

3. The Core: Earth's Fiery Heart

  • At the very center of Earth lies the core, a scorching hot realm composed mainly of iron and nickel.
  • This layer can be further divided:

I.    Outer Core 
·       This semi-molten layer is believed to be responsible for Earth's magnetic field due to the movement of electrically charged molten metal.
·       The outer core boasts a density of around 10.5.
II.  Inner Core
·       Unlike the outer core, the inner core is a solid ball of iron under immense pressure.
·       Temperatures here are estimated to be as high as 5,500°C, making it a truly remarkable environment.
·       The density of the inner core is much higher, reaching up to 16.


Understanding Earth's interior structure is crucial for piecing together the history and evolution of our planet. From the delicate crust we call home to the fiery heart of the core, each layer plays a vital role in shaping our dynamic world. By studying these hidden layers, we gain valuable insights into the forces that have shaped and continue to shape our planet.


References:

1.     https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?gess2=2-7

2.  https://www.uou.ac.in/sites/default/files/slm/GE(N)-101.pdf 


 

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