Which term refers to the surface and outer layer of the Earth?

Which term refers to the surface and outer layer of the Earth?

• A. The mantle
• B. The outermost boundary of the Earth
• C. The crust
• D. The inner core

Answer: (C)

Crust is the surface and outer layer. It forms the land and the ocean floor and rests directly atop the mantle. There are two types: continental crust, which is thick and less dense, and oceanic crust, which is thinner and more dense. The boundary between crust and mantle is the Moho. The mantle lies beneath the crust, and the inner core sits at Earth’s center. While you might hear the phrase “outermost boundary,” the standard term for this outer layer is crust.

Crust is the surface and outer layer. It forms the land and the ocean floor and rests directly atop the mantle. There are two types: continental crust, which is thick and less dense, and oceanic crust, which is thinner and more dense. The boundary between crust and mantle is the Moho. The mantle lies beneath the crust, and the inner core sits at Earth’s center. While you might hear the phrase “outermost boundary,” the standard term for this outer layer is crust.