What would it be like to take a journey to the center of the earth?
The center of the earth has often fascinated humankind. There are a number of wild fantasies about what lies hidden beneath the earth’s crust. It is as though since we cannot see it, we think the bizarre lurks in the center of the earth. Jules Verne wrote a highly gripping fantasy novel about taking a trip to the earth’s core. And what was uncovered was unbelievable.
However, Verne’s tale was highly romanticized. If you are crazy enough to consider the center of the earth as your next holiday destination, you are in for a flaming hot ride. Literally! The world is made up of different layers. You will go through the Earth’s four concentric layers: inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust.
The Crust and the Mantle
The crust is the outermost layer of our planet. It is a thin layer, running roughly 1,491 miles thick. It is comprised mostly of iron and nickel. Moreover, it is made up of tectonic plates which are constantly shifting. Further to the center of the earth is the mantle. Being the widest section of the Earth, it is 1,801 miles. It is made up of semi-molten rock called magma.
What Lies In The Center Of The Earth?
Within the mantle is the outer core. It is the layer surrounding the inner core. It is a liquid layer which creates the planet’s magnetic field. This part of the earth is about 7,232-9,032° Fahrenheit and 1367 miles thick.
The inner core is in the innermost part and the hottest part of the Earth. It is formed like a solid ball and has a radius of 758 miles. Additionally, it is made up of iron and nickel with temperatures of up to 9,932°F. Its heat is likened to the temperature at the surface of the sun. If you’d like a closer look at the center of the earth, without singing yourself, take a look at the infographic below!
Click the infographic below to see a larger version and learn more…
