Let's solve this step by step based on the descriptions provided in the worksheet.
We are given four descriptions of Earth’s layers and need to match each description to the correct layer:
Crust,
Mantle,
Outer Core, or
Inner Core. Here's how we analyze each one:
---
Description 1:
> *"This layer makes up two-thirds of the Earth's mass and is about 1,800 miles deep. It is made up of a thick, solid, rocky substance, with portions that melt enough to flow."*
-
Analysis:
- "Two-thirds of Earth's mass" → This refers to the
mantle, which is the largest layer by mass.
- "About 1,800 miles deep" → The mantle extends from the crust down to the outer core (~1,800 miles).
- "Solid rocky substance with portions that flow" → The mantle is solid but behaves plastically over long periods (due to heat and pressure), allowing slow flow (convection currents).
✔ Answer: Mantle
---
Description 2:
> *"Surprisingly, this layer is thought to be solid, even though it is furthest from the surface and beneath what's thought to be molten lava."*
-
Analysis:
- "Furthest from the surface" → This is the
innermost layer.
- "Thought to be solid" → Despite extreme heat, the
inner core is solid due to immense pressure.
- "Beneath what's thought to be molten lava" → The
outer core is liquid (molten), and the inner core is solid beneath it.
✔ Answer: Inner Core
---
Description 3:
> *"This layer of the Earth is hard and composed of different minerals. It is the thinnest layer."*
-
Analysis:
- "Hard and composed of minerals" → Describes the
crust.
- "Thinnest layer" → The crust is indeed the thinnest (only 5–70 km thick), compared to the other layers.
✔ Answer: Crust
---
Description 4:
> *"At a depth of 3000 miles beneath the surface, this layer is believed to be made of super-heated liquid molten lava. This lava is thought to be made of mostly iron and nickel."*
-
Analysis:
- "3000 miles beneath the surface" → The
outer core begins around 1,800 miles below the surface and goes to about 3,400 miles deep. So 3,000 miles is within this range.
- "Liquid molten lava" → The
outer core is liquid.
- "Made of mostly iron and nickel" → Correct for the outer core.
✔ Answer: Outer Core
---
✔ Final Answers:
1.
Mantle
2.
Inner Core
3.
Crust
4.
Outer Core
---
Summary Table:
| Description | Correct Layer |
|-----------|----------------|
| Two-thirds of Earth's mass, 1,800 miles deep, solid rocky with flowing parts |
Mantle |
| Solid, furthest from surface, beneath molten layer |
Inner Core |
| Hard, mineral-rich, thinnest layer |
Crust |
| At 3,000 miles depth, liquid molten lava, mostly iron and nickel |
Outer Core |
This matches the labeled diagram at the top of the worksheet.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of layers of the earth worksheet.
