Final answer:
The layers of the Earth can be classified based on their chemical composition and physical properties. The terms crust, mantle, and core are differentiated by their chemical composition, while the lithosphere and asthenosphere are differentiated by their physical properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physical and Chemical Properties of Each Layer of the Earth
The layers of the Earth can be classified based on their chemical composition and their physical properties. The terms crust, mantle, and core are differentiated by their chemical composition. The crust is the outermost layer and is composed mainly of solid rock. The mantle is beneath the crust and is mostly solid but has some partially molten rock. The core is the innermost layer and is mainly composed of iron and nickel.
On the other hand, the lithosphere and asthenosphere are differentiated by their physical properties. The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth and includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is broken into pieces called tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere. The asthenosphere is a plastic-like layer beneath the lithosphere where the rocks are hotter and under more pressure, allowing them to flow slowly.
So, to summarize:
- Cartography refers to the science and art of making maps, which is not directly related to the physical and chemical properties of the Earth's layers.
- Geology, on the other hand, encompasses the study of Earth's materials, its structure, and the processes that have shaped it over time. It is closely related to the physical and chemical properties of the Earth's layers.
- Stratigraphy focuses on the study of rock layers and their formation, which can be used to understand the Earth's history but is not directly related to the physical and chemical properties of its layers.
- Petrology is the branch of geology that studies the origin, composition, and distribution of rocks. It deals with the physical and chemical properties of rocks, but not specifically with the layers of the Earth.
Based on this, it can be concluded that Geology is the correct option to define the subject of this question.