This simulation shows a cross-section of Earth’s layers. Match each layer to its description.

Question

Match answers from the answer bank with the items in the list. Use the arrow keys to select an answer and press space when you're ready to drag it to a new location. Then use the arrow keys to move the answer to a response area and press space to drop it.

Mantle

Middle, thickest layer

Core

Innermost layer

Crust

Outermost, thinnest layer

2

Next, locate the lithosphere in the simulation. Then, select the best definition of this area.

A

The hottest of all of Earth’s layers

B

The liquid layer directly beneath Earth’s crust

C

The crust plus the uppermost, solid part of the mantle

D

The mantle plus the innermost, liquid portion of the core

3

Now, select the third [] tool at the bottom of the simulation. What can you conclude from this indicator?

A

The mantle moves in random, unpredictable ways

B

Most of the mantle is liquid, swirling in a circular motion

C

The mantle moves so that the core and crust mix together

D

Mostof the mantle is made of solid rock that stays relatively still

wider has been dropped in response area 2 of 2.

4

Note the fault, or break, between two pieces of crust. Select the first [] tool at the bottom of the simulation. Then, fill in the blanks to complete the sentence. Not all answer choices will be used.

In this example, the two pieces of crust will move 

away from

 each other at the fault, causing it to get 

wider

 .

toward

narrower

5

What other feature is visible at the fault?

A

Volcano

B

Ocean

C

Mountain

D

Atmosphere

6

In the simulation, the darker crust (near the fault) is new, “young” rock. Move forward through time, from 10 million years ago to 1 million years ago. As the amount of “young” rock changes, what can you conclude?

A

The Earth gets smaller as new crust is created

B

The entire crust gets replaced every million years

C

New rock is constantly being formed near the fault

D

Gravity causes rocks to fall in the gaps between pieces of crust

7

The mantle is often compared to a pot of boiling water. Hot, liquid rock “boils” to the top of the mantle, cools, and sinks. What energy source allows this to occur? (Hint: Use the thermometer tool at the bottom of the simulation.)

A

Heat from the Earth’s core

B

Human activity on Earth’s surface

C

Heat from sunlight that reaches the crust

D

Gravitational pull from Earth’s constant rotation

Answer 1

Here are the matched answers and responses for the questions:

1. Match each layer to its description:

   • Mantle: Middle, thickest layer
   • Core: Innermost layer
   • Crust: Outermost, thinnest layer

2. Location of the lithosphere:

   • C: The crust plus the uppermost, solid part of the mantle

3. Conclusion about the mantle's movement:

   • D: Most of the mantle is made of solid rock that stays relatively still

4. Complete the sentence about the fault:

   • In this example, the two pieces of crust will move away from each other at the fault, causing it to get wider.

5. What other feature is visible at the fault?

   • B: Ocean

6. Conclusion about the young rock:

   • C: New rock is constantly being formed near the fault

7. Energy source for the mantle’s movement:

   • A: Heat from the Earth’s core

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions or need further assistance!