Explain the relationship between the earth's temperature and density from the crust towards the core?
Question: Explain the relationship between the earth's temperature and density from the crust towards the core?
The Earth's temperature and density both increase as you move from the crust toward the core, creating distinct layers with unique characteristics.
Crust: The outermost layer is the least dense and coolest, with temperatures ranging from ambient surface levels to about 200–400°C near the base. It consists of solid rock and is relatively thin compared to deeper layers.
Mantle: Below the crust, the mantle is denser and hotter, with temperatures rising from 500°C near the upper mantle to about 4,000°C closer to the core. This layer is semi-solid, allowing slow convection currents that drive plate tectonics.
Outer Core: This layer is liquid, composed mainly of molten iron and nickel, with temperatures reaching 4,500–6,000°C. Due to extreme heat, metals exist in a fluid state, generating Earth's magnetic field through motion.
Inner Core: The densest and hottest part of Earth, the inner core is solid despite temperatures soaring beyond 6,000°C, due to immense pressure preventing it from melting.
Relationship Between Temperature & Density
As depth increases:
Temperature rises, driven by residual heat from planetary formation and radioactive decay.
Density increases, with heavier elements settling deeper due to gravitational differentiation.
Extreme pressure at greater depths compacts materials, making the inner core solid despite its scorching heat.
This gradual transition plays a crucial role in Earth's geological and magnetic activity.
0 Komentar
Post a Comment