Study the image of Earth’s layers.

Question

Cross section of layers of the Earth. Inner core equals 1,216 kilometers; Outer core equals 2,270 kilometers. Mantle equals 2,885 kilometers, and consists of lower and upper mantle. Upper mantle is made up by: Asthenosphere at 660 kilometers, Lithosphere at 100 kilometers, Oceanic crust at 5 kilometers, Continental crust at 30 to 40 kilometers.

Which statement correctly compares the thicknesses of Earth’s layers?

Earth’s mantle is thinner than its oceanic crust.
Earth’s outer core is thicker than its mantle.
Earth’s continental crust is thicker than its lithosphere.
Earth’s lithosphere is thinner than its asthenosphere.

Answer 1

To evaluate the statements in relation to Earth's layers based on the provided information:

1. Earth’s mantle is thinner than its oceanic crust.

   • False. The mantle (2,885 kilometers) is much thicker than the oceanic crust (5 kilometers).

2. Earth’s outer core is thicker than its mantle.

   • False. The outer core (2,270 kilometers) is not thicker than the mantle (2,885 kilometers).

3. Earth’s continental crust is thicker than its lithosphere.

   • False. The lithosphere includes the upper mantle and the crust. The lithosphere is approximately 100 kilometers thick including both oceanic and continental crust, while the continental crust itself is typically 30 to 40 kilometers thick.

4. Earth’s lithosphere is thinner than its asthenosphere.

   • False. The lithosphere (100 kilometers) is thicker than the asthenosphere (660 kilometers).

Considering all the above evaluations, none of the given statements are correct.