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Mantle rock is composed of a type of igneous rock peridotite which has a high iron and magnesium content. This rock is so hard and dense that it is not able to flow like a liquid. However due to the high temperatures and pressures that are present in the mantle it is possible for mantle rock to flow like a plastic-like material. This process is called "plastic deformation".
Plastic deformation occurs when temperatures and pressures are high enough to cause the atoms in the rock to rearrange themselves. This rearrangement allows the rock to become more malleable and it is able to bend and flow like a liquid. This process is responsible for many of the changes that occur in the mantle such as convection currents and plate tectonics.
The process of plastic deformation is not easily observed as it occurs deep within the Earth. However scientists have been able to determine the amount of pressure and temperature necessary to cause plastic deformation in mantle rock. It is estimated that temperatures must be at least 2000 degrees Celsius and pressures must be at least 10000 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level in order for mantle rock to flow.
In summary mantle rock is composed of peridotite a type of igneous rock that is so hard and dense that it is not able to flow like a liquid. However due to the high temperatures and pressures that are present in the mantle it is possible for mantle rock to flow like a plastic-like material through a process called "plastic deformation". This process is responsible for many of the changes that occur in the mantle such as convection currents and plate tectonics. Temperatures must be at least 2000 degrees Celsius and pressures must be at least 10000 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level in order for mantle rock to flow.
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JudyMantle rock can flow due to high temperatures and pressures in the Earth's interior, causing solid rock to behave like a slow-moving fluid over long periods of time. This process, known as convection, is driven by heat from the Earth's core and results in the movement of mantle material in a cyclical manner.
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What rock can flow like a liquid?
A rock that can flow like a liquid is called a type of rock called "viscous rock," such as granite or basalt. These rocks exhibit a plastic-like behavior at high temperatures and pressures, allowing them to flow over long periods of time. This flow is known as creep.
What will happen to the flow of hot rock in Earth's mantle if the planet's core eventually cools down?
If the Earth's core cools down, the heat flow from the core to the mantle will reduce. This could lead to a decrease in mantle convection and potentially slow down the movement of hot rock in the mantle. This may have implications for processes like plate tectonics and volcanic activity.
What layers make up the mantle?
The mantle consists of two main layers: the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is composed of solid rock that can flow slowly over time. The lower mantle is composed of solid rock under high pressure and temperature conditions.
What is lower part of the mantle and flow even more slowly than rock in the atmosphere?
The lower part of the mantle is called the lower mantle. It consists of solid rock that flows very slowly over long periods of time. This slow flow contributes to convection currents that drive the movement of tectonic plates in the Earth's lithosphere.
Where do convection currents flow in Earth?
Convection currents flow in Earth's mantle, which is the layer of rock beneath the Earth's crust. These currents are responsible for the movement of tectonic plates and the formation of features like mountain ranges, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
