2.1 PRAC Layers of the Earth

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University of Melbourne *

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Geology

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Oct 30, 2023

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1. Layers of the Earth PRAC Introduction Another way of helping us understand the Earth's structure is to build a physical model. Any model we build will be much smaller than the Earth. But we can design a model so that it accurately represents the thickness of each layer. We call this a scale model. Scale models are used to represent objects that are too large or too small to observe easily. For example, a scale model of the Solar System helps us compare the sizes of different planets. Aim To build a scale model of one hemisphere of the Earth, showing the crust, mantle, inner core, and outer core. Materials  30 cm ruler  Compass  6 different coloured pieces of paper (red, yellow, orange, black, green, blue)  Small sticky notes  Scissors  Paper fasteners  Glue Method 1. (Inner core) Using your ruler and protractor measure a circle that is 2.4 cm across (twice the distance calculated in the worksheet you completed in preparation for this prac) on the yellow paper. 2. (Outer core) Using your ruler and protractor measure a circle on the orange paper that measures twice the distance across for the outer core that you calculated in the worksheet PLUS 2.4 cm (the distance across the inner core). 3. (Mantle) Using your ruler and protractor measure a circle on the red paper paper that measures twice the distance across for the mantle that you calculated in the worksheet PLUS twice the distance for the outer core PLUS 2.4 cm (the distance across the inner core).

4. (Crust) Using your ruler and protractor measure a circle on the black paper that measures twice the distance across for the crust that you calculated in the worksheet PLUS twice the distance for the mantle PLUS twice the distance for the outer core PLUS 2.4 cm (the distance across the inner core). 5. You should have 4 circles that you can glue on top of each other that resembles the image below. Make sure they are centred. Label each layer using white paper labels or by writing on the layers. 6. Take the blue paper and using your ruler and protractor measure a circle that is the same distance across as the crust circle. 7. For the green paper, cut out shapes that resemble 3-4 continents on the earth. It doesn’t have to be perfect! You can look up pictures of continents to make look very realistic, or just kind of wing it and cut out some different green shapes that resemble the continents. 8. Take the blue circle and cut out one quarter of it so you have three quarters of it left intact. Recycle the fourth piece, you don’t need it. 9. Glue the green continents onto the blue earth with your glue stick. 10. Now take a paper fastener and poke it through the center of the blue circle on the top side with the continents. Poke through all the layers of paper. Secure the fastener at the back of the black circle.

Results 1. Calculation from worksheet (distance) (cm) Twice the distance (cm) Diameter (distance across circle) (cm) Radius (half the diameter) (cm) Inner Core 1.2cm 2.4cm 2.4cm 1.2cm Outer Core 2.3cm 4.6cm 7cm 3.5cm Mantle 2.9cm 5.8cm 12.8 6.4cm Crust 0.05cm 0.1cm 12.9 6.45cm 2. Glue your model of the Earth into your workbook alongside this prac sheet. Discussion 1. Compare the thickness of the crust to the thicknesses of the other layers. The thickness of the crust is significantly smaller then all the other layers. The crust makes up 41% percent of earths surface and is 20- 80km thick. 2. All models have advantages and limitations for understanding real-world phenomena. Compare your scale model to the structure of the Earth to identify some of its advantages and limitations. When building this scale model advantages and limitations arise 3. Explain an advantage of using a scale model to represent the layers of the Earth compared to using the analogy of a nectarine. 4. Imagine you were tasked with creating another scale model of the Earth. Propose one change you would make, and how it would improve upon your existing model.

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