Earth structure

Crust, Mantle, Outer core and Inner core

The rocky surface of Earth. The rock that makes up the Earth’s crust contains minerals. These minerals are often mined to produce useful materials such as metals and building materials. The crust is divided into sections called tectonic plates.

A semi-solid layer of molten rock called magma. The mantle is very hot and flows very slowly. When magma escapes from the mantle through the crust to the surface of the Earth, it is known as a volcanic eruption.

A molten mixture of iron and nickel metals. The metals flow and move around. This generates the Earth’s magnetic field.

A solid mixture of iron and nickel metals at the centre of the Earth.

Convection currents in the mantle These currents result from the heat from the Earth’s core.

When tectonic plates suddenly move against each other

Mountain ranges can be formed when tectonic plates push each other upward.

Valleys, oceanic ridges and volcanoes can form when tectonic plates move away from each other.

Lava is hot molten rock that flows from a volcano or cracks above the Earth’s surface.

magma is semi-molten rock found beneath the surface of the Earth.