Earth
There are many different types of features on Earth’s surface. The surface is different from the
other planets because it is the only one that has liquid water in such large quantities. Water
forms some features of Earth's surface such as rivers, oceans, beaches and lakes. Other surface
features, such as mountains, earthquakes and volcanoes, are formed when large pieces of the
Earth’s outer layer move slowly by plate tectonics.
The Earth's interior consists of rock and metal and is made up of four main layers:
1) the inner core: a solid metal core made up of nickel and iron (1200 km diameter)
2) the outer core: a liquid molten core of nickel and iron
3) the mantle: dense and mostly solid silicate rock
4) the crust: thin silicate rock material
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The temperature in the core is hotter than the Sun's surface. This intense heat from the inner
core causes material in the outer core and mantle to move around.
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