The Shape, Size &

Structure of the Earth

© Jamaica Olazo
4.5 Billion years ago
The Earth was formed at the same time
as the other planets of the Solar System
from a vast spinning disc of gas and dust.
Scientists have gathered
valuable information about the
Earth with the use of advance
science and technology to help
us understand our planet.

They have determined the size

and shape of the Earth by
using precise instruments and
equipment.

© Jamaica Olazo
OF THE EARTH

© Jamaica Olazo
SHAPE
OF THE EARTH
Its rotation produces a Centrifugal
force which opposes gravity.
The Earth is a
rotating object.

The Earth is shaped like an Orange

because it bulges at the
Equator and is flat at the
polar regions.
SHAPE
OF THE EARTH

the
Therefore,

Earth is an
Oblate
Spheroid.
© Jamaica Olazo
Size
of the Earth

© Jamaica Olazo
 Size of the Earth
Geodesy – the
science that studies and
measures the exact size
and dimensions of the
Earth.
Equatorial circumference 40,075.03 km.
The latest survey
about the dimensions Polar circumference 40,007.88 km.
of the Earth are as
follows:
Equatorial diameter 12,756.28 km.
Polar diameter 12,713.51 km.

© Jamaica Olazo
Structure
of the Earth
Structure Lithosphere
of the Earth

Mesosphere

Barysphere

© Jamaica Olazo
 Crust
•The rocky outermost
layer of lithosphere.
Composed of two kinds:
1. Silicon –
2. Aluminum - the upper
layer of the Earth’s 32-48 km.
crust.
It is made up largely of
granitic rocks which are
lighter in color and weight.
Structure
of the Earth
 Crust
•The rocky outermost
layer of lithosphere.
Composed of two kinds:
1. Silicon –
2. Magnesium – submerged
layer of the lithosphere. 5-8 km. thick
Magnesium makes up the
ocean floor. It is also known as
Oceanic Crust. Structure
of the Earth
Mantle
•The middle layer
of the Earth
It is composed of dense
rocks largely made up of
the mineral olivine.

Asthenosphere – an upper 2,900 km. thick

rock materials of the upper mantle.

- Allows the crustal plates lying on

it to move in either a vertical or
horizontal manner Structure
of the Earth
 Core
• The innermost
portion of the Earth
•It is believed to be
metallic.
•Composed of iron and 3,400 km. thick
nickel (NIFE)

Nickel from NI
Iron from FE Structure
of the Earth
 Core
TWO PARTS–
a. inner core – solid about
1,150 km. thick w/ an
extremely high
temperature (2,200°C).

b. outer core – made up of

molten rock about 2,250
km. thick.
Structure
of the Earth
© Jamaica Olazo