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Chapter 2: Problem 14

What material makes up the mantle? What are the sublayers of the mantle? Does melt exist within the mantle? (D)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Earth's mantle is primarily composed of solid, dense rocks like peridotite, which are silicate minerals rich in iron and magnesium. It is divided into two main sublayers: the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle contains the partially molten asthenosphere and the solid lithosphere, while the lower mantle extends from 660 km to 2900 km below the Earth's surface. Pockets of melt mainly exist in the asthenosphere, allowing the movement of tectonic plates.

Step by step solution

01

Mantle Composition

The Earth's mantle is primarily made up of solid, dense rocks, consisting of silicate minerals rich in iron and magnesium. The major component of the mantle is a type of rock called peridotite.
02

Mantle Sublayers

The mantle can be divided into two main sublayers: the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle extends from the base of the Earth's crust (around 35-40 km deep) to 660 km below the Earth's surface. It is further subdivided into a partially molten layer called the asthenosphere and a solid layer called the lithosphere. The lower mantle lies below the upper mantle and reaches depths from 660 km to about 2900 km below the Earth's surface.
03

Presence of Melt within the Mantle

Yes, there are pockets of melt within the mantle. Melt primarily exists in the asthenosphere, which is a part of the upper mantle. The asthenosphere contains a small percentage of partially molten rock. This molten material allows the movement of tectonic plates, as the partially molten asthenosphere allows the solid lithosphere to move and slide above it.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the Moho? How was it first recognized? Describe the differences between continental and oceanic crust.(D)

Recent observations suggest that the Moon has a very small, solid core that is less than \(3 \%\) of its mass. In comparison, the Earth's core is about \(33 \%\) of its mass. Explain why this difference might exist. (Hint: Recall the model for Moon formation that we presented in Chapter 1.) (D)

How did researchers first obtain a realistic estimate of the Earth's average density? What observations led to the realization that the Earth must be largely solid and that a particularly dense core lies at its center? (C)

How do temperature and pressure change with depth in the Earth? (D)

What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite? Are all meteorites composed of the same material? (A)
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