Which layer of Earth is best characterized as a layer of soft, hot rock?(1 point)
Responses
outer core
outer core
inner core
inner core
crust
crust
mantle
mantle
mantle
The correct answer is the mantle.
The layer of Earth that is best characterized as a layer of soft, hot rock is the mantle. To understand why the mantle fits this description, we can explore its properties and location within Earth.
The mantle is the layer that lies directly beneath the crust, extending to a depth of about 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles). It is composed mainly of solid rock, but due to the intense heat and pressure at these depths, the rock in the mantle is soft and capable of flowing slowly over long periods of time. This property is known as plasticity.
The temperature in the upper part of the mantle can range from 500 to 900 degrees Celsius (930 to 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit). As you go deeper into the mantle, the temperature increases further, reaching up to 4,000 degrees Celsius (7,230 degrees Fahrenheit) at the boundary with the core. The high temperatures contribute to the softness of the rock, making it easier for the mantle to flow and deform over geological timescales.
The mantle is also the thickest layer of Earth, accounting for approximately 84% of its volume. It is divided into two main regions: the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is closer to the crust and exhibits more rigid behavior, while the lower mantle is hotter and more capable of flowing.
Overall, the mantle's soft, hot rock characterizes its dynamic nature and its ability to drive tectonic plate movement, volcanic activity, and other geologic processes on Earth's surface.