There are four distinct layers:

Inner core[edit | edit source]

This is the centre of the Earth. It is solid, made of iron and nickel. The temperatures in the inner core can reach 5500C.

Outer core[edit | edit source]

The outer core is as hot as the inner core. However, there is one difference: here the iron and nickel are molten. This is the layer surrounding the inner core.

Mantle[edit | edit source]

The mantle is the widest part of the Earth. The mantle is made of semi-molten rock called magma. In the upper parts of the mantle the rock is harder, but nearer the inner core, the rock is softer and beginning to melt.

Crust[edit | edit source]

The crust is the outer layer of the Earth. It is made up of two different types of crust: oceanic crust (carries water) and continental crust (carrying land).

See main article crust.
