Exploring Earth's Layers: From Crust to Core

The Earth's crust, making up less than 1% of Earth's volume, is incredibly thin. It varies between 5-70 km in thickness and is divided into oceanic and continental crust. Surprisingly, the crust is rich in rare elements like silicon and aluminum.

The mantle, extending to a depth of 2,900 km, comprises about 84% of Earth's volume. It flows slowly due to convection currents. Did you know that the mantle's upper part is plastic-like, allowing tectonic plates to move?

The outer core, between 2,900 km and 5,150 km deep, is made of molten iron and nickel. This layer is responsible for Earth's magnetic field. Astonishingly, it flows at speeds of up to several kilometers per year.

The inner core, reaching depths of 6,371 km, is solid despite its extreme temperatures. Composed mainly of iron and nickel, it has a radius of about 1,220 km. Surprisingly, it rotates slightly faster than the Earth’s surface.

The mantle's transition zone, between 410-660 km deep, contains water in the form of hydroxyl within minerals. This discovery suggests that the Earth's interior might hold more water than all the oceans combined.

Scientists found diamonds formed deep in the mantle, over 700 km below the surface, far deeper than conventional diamond mines.