Planetary process
Planetary Differentiation
The separation of a young, molten planet into layers by density — the heaviest metal sinking to form a core, the lightest material rising to form a crust. It sets the deep structure every other process then acts on.
Highlights
- ›How a molten planet sorts itself into core, mantle, and crust
Worlds, layers & processes
Across comparative planetology
Knowledge connections
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.