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The lower mantle is solid but behaves like a very viscous fluid over geological timescales, allowing it to flow slowly. Although it is composed of solid rock, the extreme temperatures and pressures result in a plasticity that enables the material to deform and convect. This slow flow is crucial for the dynamics of plate tectonics and the movement of the Earth's crust.

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What is the subdivision of the mantle?

The mantle is subdivided into the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is closer to the Earth's surface and consists of solid rock that can flow slowly over long periods of time. The lower mantle is located beneath the upper mantle and is more rigid due to higher pressure and temperature.


What is the least rigid part of the mantle?

The upper mantle is less rigid because the pressure is lower


Why is the lower mantle more rigid and dense then the asthenosphere in the upper mantle?

The lower mantle is more rigid and dense than the asthenosphere in the upper mantle because of higher pressure and temperature conditions. The increased pressure in the lower mantle prevents rocks from flowing as easily as in the asthenosphere. This leads to higher density and rigidity in the lower mantle region.


What is the first layer under the Earth's crust called?

The first layer beneath the Earth's crust is called the mantle. The mantle extends to a depth of about 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) and is composed of semi-solid rock that can flow slowly over geological time. It is divided into the upper mantle and the lower mantle, with the upper mantle being more rigid and the lower mantle exhibiting more fluid-like behavior.


What are the 2 layers of the mantle?

The mantle is divided into two main layers: the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is closer to the Earth's crust and is more rigid, while the lower mantle is hotter and flows more easily due to higher temperatures and pressures.


What are the two parts of the mantle top and bottom?

The two main parts of the mantle are the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is closer to the Earth's crust and is more rigid, while the lower mantle is closer to the core and is more fluid-like.


Is the lithosphere liquid?

No. The lithosphere consists of the crust and the rigid uppermost part of the mantle. Therefore it is solid.


What are three differences between the upper and lower mantle?

Temperature: The upper mantle is cooler than the lower mantle. Composition: The upper mantle is more silicate-rich and less dense compared to the lower mantle. Physical properties: The upper mantle is more rigid and brittle, while the lower mantle is more ductile and capable of flow.


The mantle is made of what structural zones?

The mantle is composed of the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is known for its plasticity and convective movement, while the lower mantle is more rigid and is characterized by high-pressure conditions.


What are the two major parts of the mantle?

The two major parts of the mantle are the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is closer to the Earth's crust and is more rigid, while the lower mantle is closer to the core and exhibits more plastic behavior.


Is the mantle made of rigid material?

According to plate tectonic theory and observations of seismic waves, the upper mantle is solid and more dense than the crust. At greater depth, the rigidity abruptly decreases and it becomes very flexible, but not liquid.


Is there two layers of mantle?

Yes, the Earth's mantle is typically divided into two layers: the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is closer to the Earth's crust and is more rigid, while the lower mantle is deeper and exhibits more plastic-like behavior.