Final answer:
The layers of the Earth from the outside to the inside are the crust, lithosphere, asthenosphere, mantle, outer core, and inner core, distinguished by their physical properties and motion behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The layers of the Earth, starting from the outermost layer, are:
- Crust - The cold, thin, and brittle outer shell.
- Lithosphere - Consists of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle; it is rigid.
- Asthenosphere - The semi-plastic layer directly beneath the lithosphere.
- Mantle - A thick, solid layer made of silicate rocks that are high in magnesium and iron.
- Outer Core - A layer of liquid iron and nickel.
- Inner Core - The solid, dense center made primarily of iron and nickel.
The lithosphere and asthenosphere are distinguished by their mechanical properties. The crust is part of the lithosphere and is the thinnest layer, whereas the mantle is the thickest layer of Earth's interior. Analysis of earthquake waves and computer modeling provide us with information on the composition and characteristics of these layers.