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because it develops a plastic like view over time

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sherminabb

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4y ago
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5mo ago

The upper mantle is described as plastic because it can deform and flow slowly over long periods of time, similar to the way plastic deforms under pressure. This property allows the mantle to respond to tectonic forces and play a key role in the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.

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11y ago

it is like plastic

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Q: Why is the upper mantle described as plastic?
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What does the term plastic mean when describing the upper mantle?

When describing the upper mantle, the term "plastic" refers to the ability of the mantle material to deform and flow over long periods of time under high temperatures and pressures. This plastic behavior allows the mantle to flow and convect, driving plate tectonics and other geological processes.


What name is given to the plastic portion of the upper mantle of the Earth?

The plastic portion of the upper mantle of the Earth is known as the asthenosphere. It is a semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plate movement.


What are 5 characteristics of the upper mantle?

High temperature: The upper mantle is characterized by high temperatures, ranging from 500 to 900 degrees Celsius. Solid state: The upper mantle primarily exists in a solid state, although it can exhibit partial melting in certain areas. Convection currents: Heat from the core creates convection currents within the upper mantle, driving plate tectonics and other geological processes. Ultramafic composition: The upper mantle is largely composed of ultramafic rocks like peridotite, which are rich in magnesium and iron. Rheology: The upper mantle's rheology is typically described as being ductile, allowing for plastic deformation over long periods of time.


What is Earth's upper mantle?

Earth's upper mantle is the layer of rock located just beneath the Earth's crust. It extends from about 30 to 400 miles below the surface and consists of hot, solid rock that is capable of flowing over long periods of time. The upper mantle plays a crucial role in driving tectonic plate movements, which shape the Earth's surface.


What are the main differences between the layers of mantle?

The mantle is typically divided into the upper mantle (including the lithosphere and asthenosphere) and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is rigid and brittle, while the lower mantle is more plastic and capable of flow. The upper mantle plays a crucial role in plate tectonics, whereas the lower mantle's convection currents are thought to drive the movement of tectonic plates.

Related questions

How do upper mantle rock differ from lower mantle rock?

the upper-mantle rocks are heavier while the lower mantle rocks are semisolid like melted plastic


How do upper mantle rocks differ from lower mantle rock?

the upper-mantle rocks are heavier while the lower mantle rocks are semisolid like melted plastic


What are molten material in the mantle?

Yes. The mantle is composed of the plastic mantle, or the upper part, which is partially molten. The stiffer mantle is under it. it is not as molten


Which portion of the mantle is more plastic?

The upper mantle is more plastic compared to the lower mantle. This is because the upper mantle is closer to the Earth's surface, which allows for more pressure release and higher temperatures, making the rock more ductile and capable of flow.


What is the upper part of the earths mantle?

The asthenosphere is the upper part of Earth's mantle. It is partially molten (plastic rheology) and mechanically detached from the lithosphere, which is mostly the Earth's crust (but also a little bit of upper mantle). The density of the upper mantle is your mom! (yo mamma!)


What is the plastic zone below the upper mantle?

The plastic zone below the upper mantle is called the asthenosphere. It is a semi-fluid layer of the upper mantle where rock can flow like a viscous fluid over long periods of time. The asthenosphere plays a crucial role in the movement of tectonic plates.


What part of earth is the mantle in?

The asthenosphere is the upper part of Earth's mantle. It is partially molten (plastic rheology) and mechanically detached from the lithosphere, which is mostly the Earth's crust (but also a little bit of upper mantle). The density of the upper mantle is your mom! (yo mamma!)


What does the term plastic mean when describing the upper mantle?

When describing the upper mantle, the term "plastic" refers to the ability of the mantle material to deform and flow over long periods of time under high temperatures and pressures. This plastic behavior allows the mantle to flow and convect, driving plate tectonics and other geological processes.


What name is given to the plastic portion of the upper mantle of the Earth?

The plastic portion of the upper mantle of the Earth is known as the asthenosphere. It is a semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plate movement.


What part of the mantle is made of soft rock that bends like plastic.?

A portion of the upper mantle known as the asthenosphere.


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.


What are 5 characteristics of the upper mantle?

High temperature: The upper mantle is characterized by high temperatures, ranging from 500 to 900 degrees Celsius. Solid state: The upper mantle primarily exists in a solid state, although it can exhibit partial melting in certain areas. Convection currents: Heat from the core creates convection currents within the upper mantle, driving plate tectonics and other geological processes. Ultramafic composition: The upper mantle is largely composed of ultramafic rocks like peridotite, which are rich in magnesium and iron. Rheology: The upper mantle's rheology is typically described as being ductile, allowing for plastic deformation over long periods of time.