7 Simple Ways to Help Protect Our Planet Earth

1. Crust

This is the Earth’s outermost layer.

• Two main types:
• 1. Continental crust – thick, less dense, mostly granite.
  2. Oceanic crust – thinner, denser, mostly basalt.
• Interesting facts:
• • Varies from 5 to 70 km in thickness.
  • Contains all life, oceans, and continents.

2. Mantle

Located beneath the crust, it makes up most of Earth’s volume.

• Main regions:
• 1. Upper mantle
  2. • Includes the asthenosphere (partially molten, allows tectonic plates to move).
     • Extends to about 660 km deep.
  2. Lower mantle
  3. • Solid but capable of slow flow.
     • Extends to about 2,900 km deep.
• Composition: silicate rocks rich in iron and magnesium.

3. Outer Core

• State: liquid iron and nickel.
• Functions:
• 1. Generates Earth’s magnetic field through convection currents.
  2. Creates protection against harmful solar radiation.

4. Inner Core

• State: solid iron-nickel alloy due to immense pressure.
• Key facts:
• • About 1,220 km thick.
  • Temperature may exceed 5,000°C.

Recap — Earth’s Layers in Order

1. Crust
2. Mantle
3. • Upper mantle
   • Lower mantle
3. Outer core
4. Inner core