Earth's interior is layered because
A)centrifugal force separated out the materials based on weight as the Earth solidified.
B)materials became sorted based on density as the Earth solidified.
C)materials became sorted based on electromagnetic fields as the Earth solidified.
D)the planet was formed due to successive bombardments of cosmic debris.
E)successive subduction events at convergent plate boundaries forcing earthen materials downward.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the Earth solidified, materials became sorted based on their densities, with the heaviest materials sinking to the center and lighter materials rising to the surface. This process is called differentiation and is responsible for the layered structure of the Earth's interior. Other processes like subduction and plate tectonics have also played a role in shaping the Earth's interior, but they are not responsible for its initial layering.

Earth's Interior Is Layered Because