Final answer:
The Earth's interior is divided into compositional layers (core, mantle, crust) and mechanical layers (lithosphere, asthenosphere). The core is the innermost layer made of iron and nickel, while the mantle is the middle layer made of solid rock. The crust is the outermost layer and the thinnest layer of the Earth. The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer consisting of the crust and upper part of the mantle, and the asthenosphere is the plastic-like layer beneath the lithosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Earth's interior is divided into two categories: the compositional layers and the mechanical layers.
- Compositional layers: The Earth is divided into three compositional layers: the core, mantle, and crust. The core is the innermost layer and is primarily made up of iron and nickel. The mantle is the middle layer and is composed of solid rock. The crust is the outermost layer and is the thinnest layer, consisting of solid rock and soil.
- Mechanical layers: The Earth's mechanical layers include the lithosphere and the asthenosphere. The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. The asthenosphere is the plastic-like layer beneath the lithosphere, where the rock can flow and deform.