What is meant by the process of differentiation?
Differentiation is the process by which the earth-forming materials got separated into different layers based on their densities. During the primordial stage, the earth was mostly in a volatile state. Due to gradual increase in density, the temperature inside increased.
As a result, the materials started separating depending on their densities. Heavier materials like iron sank towards the centre of the earth, while lighter materials moved towards the surface. With time, it cooled and solidified, leading to the development of the outer surface as a crust.
This process resulted in the formation of layered structure of the earth. From the surface to the centre, we have layers like the crust, mantle, outer core and inner core. The density of material increases from the crust to the core.
Explanation
The textbook explains differentiation as a key process in Earth's evolution during its primordial stage. When Earth was in a volatile state, increasing density caused internal temperatures to rise. This allowed materials to separate based on density - heavier materials like iron sank toward the center while lighter materials moved toward the surface. This separation process created Earth's layered structure with distinct layers of increasing density from crust to core.