6.10B Earth's Layers Vocab FAC#12

the brittle, rocky, least dense, outer layer of Earth

the thick middle layer in the solid part of Earth

the innermost geologic layer of Earth, a dense ball of solid iron crystals

the liquid layer surrounding the inner core, mostly composed of liquid iron and nickel

the relatively thick part of the earth's crust that forms the large landmasses

the relatively thin part of the earth's crust which underlies the ocean basins.

The cool, rigid, outermost layer of Earth that consists of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle; broken into pieces or segments called plates.

A characteristic of the material in the asthenosphere; existing in a solid state yet having the ability to flow without being a liquid.

The types, quantities, and arrangements of elements that make up a substance.

Measureable characteristics that describe the physical state of something, including mass, magnetism, temperature, density, shape, volume, and conductivity.

A measure of the amount of heat energy.

Distinct forms of matter known in everyday experience: solid, liquid, and gas; also referred to as phases of matter.

Force exerted on matter through contact with other matter; affects melting and boiling points.

The amount of matter in a given space or volume; it is a relationship between mass and volume. Less dense matter will form layers above dense matter.