CompuServe Thread

Temp of Earth's Layers

2 messages in this thread
#154654From: Arthur L. ShankerNov 20, 1994 1:14 PM
Where can I find information on the various temperature levels of the layers of the earth; most student texts only give the temperature of the core?
#155033From: Scott L. ManskeNov 22, 1994 7:59 PM
Art: Hypothetical geothermal temperature gradients can be found in many references – you might try Ernst's "The Dynamic Planet" (Columbia University Press, 1990) for starters. For a more detailed discussion of heat flow, geothermal gradients, and deep earth structure, see "The Inaccessible Earth" by Brown and Mussett (George Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1981). Be advised that temperature curves for the deep earth are necessarily estimates based on near-surface heat flow measurements, geophysical parameters, and assumptions about the chemical composition of the mantle & core (among other things). The temperature curves one might see in published references as listed above are *not* taken from direct measurements. Hope that this helps. Cheers, Scott M.