Earthвђ™s | Mantle Is

The mantle is approximately 2,900 kilometers (1,802 miles) thick and is primarily composed of rocks rich in magnesium and iron, such as . While it is solid rock, it behaves like an extremely viscous fluid over millions of years—a property known as plasticity. It is generally divided into three main sections:

The mantle is essential for life on Earth for several reasons: Earth’s mantle is

: Extending from the crust to about 410 km deep, it includes the lithosphere (the rigid top layer) and the asthenosphere , a semi-fluid zone that allows tectonic plates to slide. The mantle is approximately 2,900 kilometers (1,802 miles)

: Located between 410 km and 660 km, where extreme pressure causes minerals to change their crystalline structure, becoming much denser. : Located between 410 km and 660 km,

: Heat from the core creates convection currents in the mantle. These currents act like a conveyor belt, moving tectonic plates, creating mountains, and causing earthquakes.