The name given to the outer layer of the Earth is the crust. The Earth's crust is divided into two types: the continental crust, which forms the landmasses, and the oceanic crust, which lies beneath the oceans. This layer is composed of various rocks, minerals, and sediments and is where all terrestrial life exists. The crust is relatively thin compared to the underlying mantle and plays a significant role in geological processes such as plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.