Outermost Layer: Crust
* Composition: Primarily composed of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
* Igneous rocks: Formed from cooled magma (granite, basalt)
* Sedimentary rocks: Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments (limestone, sandstone)
* Metamorphic rocks: Formed when existing rocks are transformed by heat and pressure (marble, slate)
* Thickness: Varies significantly, from about 3-5 kilometers (2-3 miles) under the oceans (oceanic crust) to 30-70 kilometers (19-43 miles) under the continents (continental crust).
* Characteristics: Relatively thin, brittle, and divided into tectonic plates.
Innermost Layer: Inner Core
* Composition: Primarily composed of a solid ball of iron (Fe) with a small amount of nickel (Ni).
* Thickness: Approximately 1,220 kilometers (758 miles)
* Characteristics: Extremely hot (around 5,200 °C / 9,392 °F), immense pressure, and solid due to the extreme pressure despite the high temperature.
Key Differences:
* Composition: The crust is primarily composed of various types of rock, while the inner core is almost entirely metallic iron with a small amount of nickel.
* State of matter: The crust is solid, while the inner core is solid due to the immense pressure.
* Temperature: The inner core is significantly hotter than the crust.
* Thickness: The crust is much thinner than the inner core.
Let me know if you'd like more details about any specific layer or have other questions!
