What is the thin and solid outermost layer of the Earth called?

• A. Crust
• B. Mantle
• C. Inner Core
• D. Outer Core

Answer: (A)

The outermost solid layer of Earth is the crust. It sits on top of the mantle and is much thinner than the other layers, which is why the clue calls it “thin and solid.” There are two main types: continental crust, which is thicker and lighter, and oceanic crust, which is thinner and denser. Below the crust lies the mantle, which is thick and more ductile, while the inner core is a solid sphere at the center and the outer core is a surrounding liquid layer. So the crust is the correct answer because it is the thin, solid shell that forms Earth’s surface.