Question

Describe the core-mantle-crust structures of the terrestrial worlds. What is differentiation? What do we mean by the lithosphere? How does lithospheric thickness vary among the five terrestrial worlds?

Answer 1

Answer:

The core: this structure of the terrestrial world is made up of sulphur, iron, silicon and it is found at the centre of the terrestrial world.

The mantle: this structure of the terrestrial world is located between the outer core and the crust and consist of mainly silicate rock.

The crust: this is the structure of the terrestrial world that makes up the outermost layer. It consist of granite and basalt.

Differentiation: this is the process by which gravity separates materials according to density, with high-density materials sinking and low-density materials rising.

Lithosphere: this is made up of the hard and rigid outer layer of the terrestrial planet and it's located between the crust and the outermost mantel.

The five terrestrial worlds includes Mercury, Venus, Earth, the Moon, and Mars. The largest which includes the Venus and Earth has the thinnest lithosphere while the smallest ( mercury and moon) have the thickest lithosphere.