Question

study the diagram showing the range of temperature in the earths layers.
temperature of earths layers
depth (km) 410 660 2900 5150 6370
1,000 °c 1,627 °c 2,727 °c 4,727 °c 6,727 °c
what does the diagram show about earths interior?
the outer core is the hottest region.
the mantle is hotter than the outer core.
the continental crust is the coolest region.
the inner core is cooler than the lithosphere.

Explanation:

1. Check the diagram: The shallowest depth (0 km, corresponding to the continental crust) has the lowest temperature, starting at ~1,000 °C or lower at the surface.
2. Evaluate other options:

• The outer core is not the hottest (inner core at 6,727 °C is hotter).
• The mantle (max ~2,727 °C) is cooler than the outer core (4,727 °C).
• The inner core (6,727 °C) is far hotter than the lithosphere (coolest, near the surface).

1. Only the statement about the continental crust being the coolest matches the diagram's data.

Answer:

C. The continental crust is the coolest region.