Structure of the Earth

What this unit covers

The resources here describe the Earth as a set of layers. The slide set GCSE Chemistry: The Crust starts from the outermost layer, the thin rocky crust, then moves to the mantle, which behaves like a solid but can flow. The notes on the inner core explain why it is believed to be solid, because of the extreme pressure.

Where to start

Begin with a broad overview, then narrow down.

1. Read the slide set GCSE Chemistry: The Earth's Structure or the notes The Layers of the Earth for the big picture.
2. Work through the flashcards Internal structure of the Earth, which cover how layers are divided by chemical composition.
3. Use Dynamic Crust. Unit 4 to compare oceanic and continental crust, the lithosphere and the Moho.
4. Move on to Plate Tectonics and the notes on seismic waves.

Evidence and models

Several mind maps separate the chemical model (crust, mantle, core) from the physical or geodynamic model (lithosphere, asthenosphere, mesosphere, endosphere). The mind map TECTONIC PLATES lists ways of studying the interior, such as core sampling, studying rocks and meteorites, and P waves and S waves. The notes Direct Evidence for the Structure of the Earth and Indirect Evidence for the Structure of the Earth pair well with it.

Using quizzes and maps together

Look at a mind map such as Planet Earth first, and try to recall each branch from memory. Then take a quiz like Earth's Layers or Labelling the Earth. Any questions you miss show which branch to revisit. Exam-minded students will see GCSE Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Science mentioned across the resources, so it is worth checking which wording suits your course.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Foundations of Earth Science strand of Geology and earth sciences. It gives the layer-by-layer picture that later topics build on. Choose one resource now, then try a quiz and see what you remember.