UPPER MANTLE Meaning and
Definition
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The upper mantle refers to the layer of Earth's mantle that is situated just below the crust and extends down to a depth of approximately 660 kilometers (410 miles). It is one of the major divisions of the Earth's interior, along with the crust, lower mantle, and core. The upper mantle is primarily composed of solid rock material, consisting mainly of silicate minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, and garnet.
This region of the mantle is characterized by its relatively high temperatures and pressures compared to the crust. It plays a pivotal role in the geological processes and dynamics of the Earth's lithosphere, as it is involved in the formation and movement of tectonic plates. The upper mantle experiences convection, which drives the motion of the overlying lithospheric plates and contributes to the occurrence of diverse geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the creation of mountain ranges.
Although mostly solid, the upper mantle can display limited plasticity due to the increased temperature and pressure. This allows for gradual flow and deformation over extended time periods. The upper mantle is also believed to be associated with the presence of a weak zone known as the asthenosphere, where the portion of the mantle experiences a degree of partial melting, resulting in decreased viscosity and increased mobility of the rock material.
Studying the upper mantle is crucial for understanding Earth's geology, plate tectonics, and the processes that have shaped the planet over billions of years.
Common Misspellings for UPPER MANTLE
- ypper mantle
- hpper mantle
- jpper mantle
- ipper mantle
- 8pper mantle
- 7pper mantle
- uoper mantle
- ulper mantle
- u-per mantle
- u0per mantle
- upoer mantle
- upler mantle
- up-er mantle
- up0er mantle
- uppwr mantle
- uppsr mantle
- uppdr mantle
- upprr mantle
- upp4r mantle
Etymology of UPPER MANTLE
The word "upper" comes from the Old English word "uppere", which means higher in position or rank. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "uberaz".
The term "mantle" comes from the Old English word "mentel", which means a loose, sleeveless cloak or garment. It has its roots in the Latin word "mantellum", meaning a cloak or mantle.
When combined, the term "upper mantle" refers to the layer or region of the Earth's mantle that is located closer to the surface. The word "upper" describes its higher position in relation to the Earth's core, while "mantle" signifies its cloak-like or covering nature around the core.
Similar spelling words for UPPER MANTLE
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