The Layer of the Earth where mantle convection occurs and on which the Earth’s crust rests is the asthenosphere.
Further Explanation;
The Earth is made up of layers which includes;
The Crust
- It is the outermost layer of the Earth that is very hard.
- Crust is made up of granite and basalt. It is divided into continental plates which drift slowly with time.
Mantle
- It is the second layer of the earth and takes up to 80 percent of the Earth.
- Mantle is divided into Lithosphere and the Asthenosphere.
- Convection currents occurs in the mantle
Lithosphere
- It is made up of Earth’s outermost layer, the crust, and the uppermost portion of the mantle.
- Lithosphere lies over the asthenosphere such that if a material of the asthenosphere solidifies, it becomes part of the lithosphere.
- Lithosphere is comprised of a large number of fragments, each known as the tectonic plate. These tectonic plates are in constant motion and are floating over the plastic material underneath.
Asthenosphere
- It is the upper portion of the Earth’s mantle which is the middle layer of the Earth.
- Asthenosphere has a higher temperature compared to the lithosphere and hence its rock are plastic and can flow.
- Asthenosphere is more dense and viscous compared to lithosphere.
Convection current
- In the mantle, convection currents make the mantle to move. They occur when the lower mantle heats up and rises, cools down then gets pushed down since it is heavier.
- Convection currents are due to the density of a fluid that is related to its temperature in the mantle.
- Hot rocks lower in the mantle are less dense than the cooler rocks below, therefore the hot rocks rises while the cooler rocks sinks due to gravity.
Outer core
- It is the third layer of the earth and surrounds the inner core. It is the only liquid layer of the Earth.
- This layer is about 2100 miles long and temperatures ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 degrees Celsius.
Inner core
- It is the innermost layer of the earth.
- It contains impure iron that contains sulfur, nickel and other elements in small portions.
- Its temperatures ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 degrees Celsius.
Keywords: Layers of the Earth, Mantle, Lithosphere, asthenosphere, convection current
Learn more about:
Level: High school
Subject; Geography
Topic: The Earth
Sub-topic; Layers of the Earth