What is the Earth’s average density?
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Geology Science › Forums › Geology Questions & Answers › What is the Earth’s average density?
What is the Earth’s average density?
The Earth’s average density is approximately 5.52 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).
The Earth’s density varies throughout its different layers, with the core being the densest and the crust being the least dense. The average density of the Earth takes into account the density of all its layers, weighted according to their respective volumes.
The Earth’s inner core, which is mostly composed of iron, has an estimated density of around 13 g/cm³. The outer core, also mostly composed of iron but with some nickel and other elements, has an estimated density of around 10 g/cm³. The mantle, which is mostly composed of silicate rocks, has an estimated density of around 4.5 g/cm³. Finally, the Earth’s crust, which is mostly composed of less dense rocks like granite and basalt, has an estimated density of around 2.7 g/cm³.
The Earth’s density has been determined through various methods, including seismology, gravity measurements, and modeling based on the Earth’s mass and volume. The current estimate of the Earth’s average density is based on a combination of these methods.