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The asthenosphere is commonly said to be made of partially molten rock, but that is not entirely true. There are areas of the asthenosphere that are partially molten, but they make up a small portion of its volume. The asthenosphere is hot enough that it would be molten is brought to the surface, but the enormous pressure inside Earth keeps it in a state that is technically solid. The rock is still rather soft though and can flow slowly over the course of thousands to millions of years. When you look at substances over such long periods of time the distinction between solid and liquid becomes a bit blurred.

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What is the partially molten layer of the mantle called?

The partially molten layer of the mantle is called the asthenosphere. This zone is partially molten and allows tectonic plates to move on top of it.


The partially molten layer of Earth's mantle?

The partially molten layer of Earth's mantle is called the asthenosphere. It is located below the lithosphere and is responsible for the movement of tectonic plates due to its semi-fluid state. The asthenosphere facilitates the process of mantle convection, which drives the motion of Earth's lithospheric plates.


Partially molten, plastic-like, flowing layer located below the solid part of Earths mantle?

Partially molten, plastic like, flowing layer located below the solid part of Earth's mantle is the Asthenosphere. The asthenosphere is mechanically weak and ductiley deforming region of the upper mantle.


What parts of the mantle contains molten material?

The upper part of the mantle, known as the asthenosphere, contains molten material. This region is partially molten, allowing for the movement of tectonic plates. Deeper parts of the mantle, such as the lower mantle, contain solid rock due to higher pressures and temperatures.


What is the solid plastic layer of the mantle called?

The solid plastic layer of the mantle is called the asthenosphere. This region is partially molten and allows for the movement of tectonic plates.


Is the asthenosphere molten?

The asthenosphere is only partially molten with some estimates of around 5 percent.


What is the relationship between the mantle and the asthenosphere?

The asthenosphere is a layer within the upper mantle. It is a more ductile and partially molten region of the mantle that allows for the movement of tectonic plates above it. The mantle, which includes the asthenosphere, is the layer of the Earth located between the crust and the core.


Which layer of the earth contains the asthenosphere?

The asthenosphere is located in the upper mantle. The asthenosphere is below the lithosphere, the brittle outer shell of the Earth.


Is the lower mantle rock stronger than the asthenosphere?

Yes, the lower mantle rock is typically stronger than the asthenosphere. The lower mantle exhibits solid-like behavior due to high pressure, while the asthenosphere is partially molten and represents a weaker layer of the Earth's mantle.


Is it true the mantle is completely molten?

no. the mantle is only partially molten


Soft layer of rock in the mantle?

The soft layer of rock in the mantle is called the asthenosphere. It is partially molten and enables the movement of tectonic plates. This layer lies beneath the lithosphere and contributes to the process of plate tectonics.


Is the earth solid or liquid?

The asthenosphere is partially molten. It is about 5% molten.