Geology Chapter 15 Geology The science devoted to the study of dynamic processes occurring on the Earth?s surface and in its interior Essential Question #1 What are the characteristics of the three major concentric zones of earth? Three Concentric Zones Core ? innermost zone Extremely hot Solid inner part surrounded by liquid molten material Mantle ? middle zone Outermost part is solid rock Asthenosphere = inner part made of hot partly melted pliable rock that flows Crust ? outermost zone Continental crust Oceanic crust Earth?s Crust and Upper Mantle Lithosphere = Crust and outermost Mantle Fig. 15-3, p. 337 Spreading center Ocean trench Plate movement Subduction zone Oceanic crust Continental crust Continental crust Material cools as it reaches the outer mantle