The Lithosphere

Question 1

What are the layers of the lithosphere?

Answer 1

Layers of the Lithosphere
Crust - the outermost layer, thickness varies 10-20km, 6km thick in some places under the ocean.
Mantle - mostly solid, plastic layer called the asthenosphere 50km deep.
Outer core - liquid, molten due to heat and pressure. Heat generated by radioactive decay of unstable elements
Inner core - solid, very high pressure keeping the bonds strong. Iron core which produces magnetic field.

Question 2

What is the importance of fossil fuel resources?

Answer 2

Coal - Fuel, electricity generation, (high energy content)
Crude oil - Fuel, electricity generation, (high energy content)
Natural gas - Fuel, electricity generation, (high energy content)

Question 3

What is the importance of rare earth metals (REM) e.g. Copper, Aluminium, Iron, chromium and platinum.