Why is the mantle not solid?

Answer 1

Think about the asthenosphere. The molten rocks in this area are so hot, they flow like a fluid. Heat moves from warm areas to cooler areas. As the cool areas heat up, they become less dense and rise. Then they cool and sink. This circular pattern is called a convection current. The convection currents just beneath the earth's crust flow very slowly, causing movement in the earth's plates above them.

Answer 2

The slow creeping motion of Earth's solid silicate mantle caused by convection currents carrying heat from the interior to the planet's surface. Mantle convection is the very slow creeping motion of Earth's solid silicate mantle caused by convection currents carrying heat from the interior to the planet's surface.

Answer 3

The mantle is composed of solid rock, but it can deform and flow over very long time scales due to the high temperatures and pressures present in the Earth's interior. This slow flow is what enables tectonic plate movement and drives processes like mantle convection, which plays a crucial role in shaping the Earth's surface features.

Answer 4

The mantle is solid despite high temperatures because of high lithostatic pressures.

Answer 5

The mantle is solid. It only melts in special cases very near the surface.