Layers of the Earth

Today we used an apple to help us understand the layers of the Earth. We learned that the crust, the outside layer, is very thin like an apples' skin. The crust is made up of rocks and soil. Under the crust is the mantle, which is partially solid and partially made up of melted rock that moves slowly like molasses. We learned that the mantle can be as hot as 7,500 degrees and is about 1,800 miles thick! Next we learned about the outer core and inner core. The outer core is considered to be made up of hot liquid iron and nickel and is about 1,300 miles thick, while the inner core is believed to be a hot ball of solid iron and nickel, about 1,500 miles across. Scientists believe that the inner core of the earth can reach 11,000 degrees, while the outer core can get to be about 9,000 degrees.