2. Relief
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2
THE LAYERS OF THE EARTH
Core
There is very high pressure
and extreme temperatures in
this layer.
Mantle
The mantle makes up 70%
of the Earth’s mass. Its
materials are in a state of
constant movement called
convective circulation.
Crust
This layer is relatively thin.
Its appearance changes
slowly and continuously.
❚
One section of the crust is
the
emerged land
which
forms the continents. This
area has direct contact
with the atmosphere.
❚
However, the major part
of this layer (66%) is
submerged
beneath
the oceans. There are
enormous mountains
here, such as the Mauna
Kea, which is 10 203 m
high. Only 4 205 m are
above the water.
Understand
1.
Answer the following questions.
a)
What layer of the Earth contains the continents and
the ocean?
b)
Which is the thinnest layer? Which layer is the deepest?
Which one has rocks in a semi-solid state? What is the
main mineral that makes up the inner core?
c)
Why are there molten rocks in the interior of the
Earth? What are these rocks called?
Create
2.
Find information on the Internet and explain why
the temperature in deep mines is high. Write your
findings in a notebook.
3.
Find out about the route the expedition made in
Jules Verne’s
Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
❚
Print out an
outline world map
and trace the route.
❚
In your notebook, write the countries, seas and
oceans they crossed on their journey.
