* Crust: The outermost layer, relatively thin and composed primarily of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. It is divided into the oceanic crust (thinner, denser, and younger) and continental crust (thicker, less dense, and older).
* Mantle: The thickest layer, located beneath the crust and accounting for about 84% of the Earth's volume. It's composed of mostly silicate rocks and is very hot, with temperatures increasing with depth. The mantle is partially molten and flows slowly over time, driving plate tectonics.
* Core: The Earth's innermost layer, composed primarily of iron with a small percentage of nickel. It's divided into the outer core (liquid) and the inner core (solid). The Earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of the liquid outer core.
Here's a quick breakdown:
| Layer | Description | Composition |
|---|---|---|
| Crust | Thin, outermost layer | Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks |
| Mantle | Thick, middle layer | Silicate rocks |
| Core | Innermost layer | Iron, nickel |
Understanding the core-mantle-crust structure is fundamental to comprehending various geological processes, such as plate tectonics, volcanism, and the Earth's magnetic field.
