Earth structure

Question 1

What are the four sections the earth is made up of?

Answer 1

Crust, Mantle, Outer core and Inner core

Question 2

What is the crust?

Answer 2

The rocky surface of Earth. The rock that makes
up the Earth’s crust contains minerals. These
minerals are often mined to produce useful
materials such as metals and building materials.
The crust is divided into sections called tectonic plates.

Question 3

What is the mantle?

Answer 3

A semi-solid layer of molten rock called magma.
The mantle is very hot and flows very slowly.
When magma escapes from the mantle through
the crust to the surface of the Earth, it is known as a volcanic eruption.

Question 4

What is the outer core?

Answer 4

A molten mixture of iron and nickel metals. The metals flow and move around. This generates the Earth’s magnetic field.

Question 5

What is the inner core?

Answer 5

A solid mixture of iron and nickel metals at
the centre of the Earth.

Question 6

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Answer 6

Convection currents in the mantle

These currents result from the heat from the Earth’s core.

Question 7

What causes earthquakes?

Answer 7

When tectonic plates suddenly move against each other

Question 8

what causes mountain ranges?

Answer 8

Mountain ranges can be
formed when tectonic plates
push each other upward.

Question 9

What causes Valleys, Oceanic ridges and volcanoes?

Answer 9

Valleys, oceanic ridges and
volcanoes can form when
tectonic plates move away
from each other.

Question 10

What is lava?

Answer 10

Lava is hot molten rock that flows from a
volcano or cracks above the Earth’s
surface.

Question 11

What is magma?

Answer 11

magma is semi-molten rock found beneath
the surface of the Earth.