Understanding What the Mantle Is
The mantle is the thick layer of hot, solid rock found between Earth’s crust and core. It makes up most of our planet’s volume.
What the Mantle Is Made Of
The mantle is made of dense, iron-rich silicate rocks. Even though it’s solid, the intense heat allows it to slowly flow like very thick putty.
Layers of the Mantle
Upper mantle: Includes the asthenosphere, where rock is softer and slowly moves.
Lower mantle: Hotter and more rigid due to extreme pressure.
How the Mantle Moves
Heat from the core creates convection currents that slowly move mantle rock. These movements push tectonic plates on Earth’s surface.
The Mantle’s Role in Earth Processes
The mantle drives volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the movement of continents. Without it, Earth’s surface would remain still.
How We Study the Mantle
Scientists study seismic waves from earthquakes and analyze volcanic rocks to learn what the mantle is like, since no one can reach it directly.
The Simple Takeaway
The mantle is the massive rock layer beneath the crust. Its heat and slow movement shape volcanoes, mountains, and the shifting of continents.