Geocentric Science

As you read in The Formation of Earth article, the Earth’s layered structure is a result of differentiation. The diagram, Inferred Properties of Earth’s Interior (from the Earth Science Reference Tables), indicates the relationship between depth, density, pressure, and temperature. The middle diagram indicates the immense pressure in the Earth’s inner core. Therefore, as depth increases pressure increases.

You might have experienced this relationship in your life if you ever swam to the bottom of a swimming pool. Although the bottom of the pool might only be six to ten feet deep, you can feel the immense weight of the water pushing down on you. However, if you swim just below the surface, you do not experience the same feeling.

The bottom diagram (temperature versus depth) also indicates that as depth increases, temperature increases. The solid line is the geothermal gradient, and the dotted line indicates the melting point, which changes as a result in composition and pressure.