Earth Layers: Physical Properties

Lithosphere The outermost, rigid layer Is divided into pieces called tectonic

plates Made of 2 parts 1) crust 2) rigid upper part of mantle 15-300 km

Asthenosphere The plastic

layer of mantle on which pieces of lithosphere move.

250 km Made of solid

rock Moves very

slowly

MesosphereStrong lower part of

mantleExtends from

bottom of asthenosphere to the core

2,550 km It is ‘viscous’ or

gummy (thick sticky substance between a solid & liquid)

Outer Core The Liquid layer of core Lies beneath the mantle and

surrounds the inner core 2,200 km

Inner CoreThe solid layer of

coreDenser than outer

core1,230 km