Earth’s Layers
This is the thin outer layer of Earth where we live.
Crust
This is a large piece of Earth’s lithosphere that moves slowly over time.
Tectonic Plate
This type of rock forms when magma or lava cools and hardens.
Igneous Rock
This is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces.
Weathering
This force pulls objects toward Earth.
Gravity
This is the very hot center of Earth made mostly of metal.
Core
This idea explains that continents were once joined together.
Continental Drift
This is melted rock beneath Earth’s surface.
Magma
This is the movement of sediment from one place to another.
Erosion
This is a natural feature on Earth’s surface like a mountain or river.
Landform
This thick layer of hot rock sits between the crust and the core.
Mantle
This is a crack in Earth’s crust where rocks move past each other.
Fault
This type of rock forms when heat and pressure change an existing rock.
Metamorphic Rock
This happens when sediment is dropped off in a new location.
Deposition
This describes what something is made of.
Composition
This rigid outer layer of Earth includes the crust and upper mantle.
Lithosphere
This soft, slowly flowing layer allows plates to move on top of it.
Asthenosphere
These are small pieces of rock, sand, or soil.
Sediment
This is a large, slow-moving mass of ice that shapes land.
Glacier
This is a change that happens when substances interact.
Reaction
This strong lower part of the mantle lies beneath the asthenosphere.
Mesosphere
This describes rock that has melted into liquid form.
Molten
This type of rock forms from layers of sediment pressed together.
Sedimentary Rock
This is the sudden movement of rock or soil down a slope.
Landslide
These are preserved remains or traces of plants or animals from long ago.
Fossil