To determine which pattern is best supported by the data, we'll examine each provided option in the context of the Earth’s layers and their characteristics.
Option A: The layers of the Earth become thicker toward the surface.
- Crust: 30.0 km
- Upper Mantle: 720.0 km
- Lower Mantle: 2171.0 km
- Outer Core: 2259.0 km
- Inner Core: 1221.0 km
From the data, we see that the layers beneath the crust are significantly thicker. Hence, this pattern is not supported.
Option B: The layers of Earth contain more mass toward the surface.
To support this pattern, the upper layers should be more massive. Mass depends on both thickness and density. Given the density and thickness increase deeper into the Earth, it's reasonable to assume the deeper layers are more massive. Therefore, this pattern is not supported.
Option C: The layers of Earth contain more liquid toward the surface.
The outer core is the only liquid layer listed, and it lies beneath the crust, upper mantle, and lower mantle. Hence, more liquid material is deeper, not toward the surface. This pattern is also not supported.
Option D: The layers of Earth contain less dense materials toward the surface.
The given data shows the densities of the layers as follows:
- Crust: 2.2 g/cm³ (top) to 2.9 g/cm³ (bottom)
- Upper Mantle: 3.4 g/cm³ (top) to 4.4 g/cm³ (bottom)
- Lower Mantle: 4.4 g/cm³ (top) to 5.6 g/cm³ (bottom)
- Outer Core: 9.9 g/cm³ (top) to 12.2 g/cm³ (bottom)
- Inner Core: 12.8 g/cm³ (top) to 13.1 g/cm³ (bottom)
Notice the densities increase as you move from the crust to the inner core. This supports the pattern that less dense materials are found closer to the surface.
In conclusion, the pattern that is best supported by the data is:
D. The layers of Earth contain less dense materials toward the surface.
