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Mantle rock is composed of a type of igneous rock peridotite which has a high iron and magnesium content. This rock is so hard and dense that it is not able to flow like a liquid. However due to the high temperatures and pressures that are present in the mantle it is possible for mantle rock to flow like a plastic-like material. This process is called "plastic deformation".
Plastic deformation occurs when temperatures and pressures are high enough to cause the atoms in the rock to rearrange themselves. This rearrangement allows the rock to become more malleable and it is able to bend and flow like a liquid. This process is responsible for many of the changes that occur in the mantle such as convection currents and plate tectonics.
The process of plastic deformation is not easily observed as it occurs deep within the Earth. However scientists have been able to determine the amount of pressure and temperature necessary to cause plastic deformation in mantle rock. It is estimated that temperatures must be at least 2000 degrees Celsius and pressures must be at least 10000 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level in order for mantle rock to flow.
In summary mantle rock is composed of peridotite a type of igneous rock that is so hard and dense that it is not able to flow like a liquid. However due to the high temperatures and pressures that are present in the mantle it is possible for mantle rock to flow like a plastic-like material through a process called "plastic deformation". This process is responsible for many of the changes that occur in the mantle such as convection currents and plate tectonics. Temperatures must be at least 2000 degrees Celsius and pressures must be at least 10000 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level in order for mantle rock to flow.
Audra Weissnat
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What rock can flow like a liquid?
the rock that can flow like a liquid is a mantle because the mantle has two parts. The upper part is the solid rock. The solid rock of the mantle is part is the lithosphere. Below the solid rock, the mantle rock has the ability to flow like a liquid. Most of the mantle is made up of rock that can flow. Sanjida Ahmed 752/753
What might cause solid rock in the Earth's interior to melt and begin to flow?
The mantle cause the mantle to flow.
What layer of the earth does solid rock flow?
In the mantle
What will happen if the flow of hot rock in earths mantle if the planets core eventually cools?
The flow of hot rock in earths mantle will stop and Earth's magnetic field will disappear
What will happen to the flow of hot rock in Earth's mantle if the planet's core eventually cools down?
The flow of hot rock in earths mantle will stop and Earth's magnetic field will disappear
What is the soft layer of rock in the earths mantle?
The soft layer of rock in the Earth's mantle is called the asthenoshere. The asthenoshere is a solid but able to flow slowly.
What is lower part of the mantle and flow even more slowly than rock in the atmosphere?
No answer
What is the composition earths mantle?
The mantle is 82% of Earth's volume. It is composed of ultramafic rock called peridotite, which is hot enough to flow.
What is composition of Earth's mantle?
The mantle is 82% of Earth's volume. It is composed of ultramafic rock called peridotite, which is hot enough to flow.
What are tectonic plates referring to?
The plates of crustal rock floating on the mantle rockand being moved by the flow of mantle rock in convection cells driven by the heating of radioactive decay deep in the core and lower mantle.
What parts of the earths crust move?
All of it. The crust floats on the mantle and is moved around by the flow of mantle rock on the tops of convection cells.
What conditions allow rock in the mantle flow?
cause it will keep going until the lava stop erupting will make the mantle stop
