The outer layer of the Earth is called the crust. It is composed of a variety of rocks, minerals, and soil, providing the surface upon which we live. The crust is relatively thin compared to the underlying layers of the Earth, such as the mantle and core. It is divided into two types: continental crust, which forms landmasses, and oceanic crust, which underlies the oceans. The composition and structure of the crust are fundamental to geology, influencing plate tectonics, earthquakes, and landscape formation.