Chapter 20, Problem 1RCQ

How did density segregation contribute to Earth's internal layers?

To determine

The way for the contribution of density segregation to the Earth’s internal layer.

Answer to Problem 1RCQ

As the heavy material moved towards the core of the Earth while the lighter move towards the surface due to their density that layered the Earth.

Explanation of Solution

Earth is made up of different layered internal structure. The layers are the crust, mantle, and core. All the layers of the Earth have different composition and densities.

The core is the inner part of the Earth while the crust is the outer part of Earth. The mantle layer lies between the crust and the core.

The heating of Earth cause the layer to reach its melting point. So, the molten or nearly molten state materials acted under the influence of gravity due to that the dense, heavy rich iron materials sank to the Earth’s center and less dense, lighter silicon and oxygen rich materials rose towards the surface.

The movement of these materials occurs due to the density segregation. In Earth, density segregation led to the formation of a dense, iron-rich core, a less-dense, rocky mantle, and an even less-dense, rocky crust.