Student #________
Heading:
The Earth’s Changing Surface
CLASSWORK #3
DIRECTIONS:
o Complete the graph on the back FIRST.
o Use the graph on the back to answer questions 1-3 below.
o Answer questions 4-5 as best you can. Spend some time thinking about each question.
o Answer all questions in complete sentences.
1. What do you notice about the temperature of each layer as you descend (go down) through each of
the 5 sub layers? _____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What do you notice about the density of each layer as you descend (go down) through each of the 5
sub layers? __________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Fill in the missing blank: As you descend through the layers of the earth, the temperature and density
_________________________.
4. The lithosphere is the solid layer of the Earth that we live on top of. It is made of ALL the crust AND
the uppermost part of the mantle. Directly under the Lithosphere is a syrupy (super thick layer that
flows or moves) layer made mainly of molten (melted) rock called the Asthenosphere. Think about
what you know about density and what causes layers to form. What would happen if the Lithosphere
was denser than the Asthenosphere and why? _____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Is it important that the Lithosphere is less dense than the Asthenosphere? _____ Why? ___________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
5. Think About This
If the Lithosphere is a solid layer that floats on top of the Asthenosphere that is a super thick syrupy
layer that flows (moves), what do you think happens to the Lithosphere if the Asthenosphere begins
flowing (moving)? ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Graphing the Temperature and Density
DIRECTIONS:
o The layers of the earth vary greatly in temperature and density. Create a bar graph to illustrate these
differences. Use the graph to answer the questions on the back.
Layer
Lithosphere – All the Crust and top part Mantle
Asthenosphere – Syrupy layer of Mantle that flows
Temperature
8700 C (1,6000 F)
1,2000 C (2,2000 F)
Mesosphere – Most of the Mantle under Asthenosphere
3,7000 C (6,7000 F)
Outer Core – First layer of Core; only true liquid layer
Inner Core – Solid ball of iron
5,5000 C (9,9000 F)
7,0000 C (12,5000 F)
Density
3 g/cm3
4 g/mL or
g/cm3
7 g/mL or
g/cm3
11 g/mL
15 g/cm3
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Lithosphere
Asthenosphere
Mesosphere
Outer Core
Inner Core