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Summary/Synthesis
The Earth is composed of three major layers:
the crust, mantle, and core which is subdivided
into outer and inner core.
The crust is the outermost and thinnest layer of
the Earth.
The mantle is the middle layer of the Earth. It
makes most of the Earths volume and mass.
The crust and a part of the upper mantle make
up the lithosphere. The lithosphere is subdivided
into portions called lithospheric plates.
The asthenosphere is the weak layer of the
mantle on which the lithosphere floats.
The outer core is made up of molten material
and accounts for the Earths magnetic field.
The inner core is the deepest layer of the Earth.
It is made up of solid nickel and iron. The
temperature in the inner core reaches as high as
5000oC.
The speed, reflection and refraction properties
of seismic waves are used by scientists to study
the structure and composition of the Earths
interior.
The Continental Drift Theory of Alfred Wegener
states that the continents were once part of a
large landmass called Pangaea which drifted
away from each other. The continents moved
away from each other towards their current
positions.
Alfred Wegener based his theory on evidences
from fossils imbedded in rocks and rock
formations.