LOWER MANTLE Meaning and
Definition
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The lower mantle refers to the region located beneath the Earth's upper mantle and above the core, extending from a depth of approximately 660 to 2,891 kilometers (410 to 1,796 miles) below the Earth's surface. It encompasses a substantial portion of the Earth's interior, constituting about 55% of its total volume. The lower mantle is characterized by extreme conditions of high pressure, reaching up to 1.3 million times the atmospheric pressure found at the Earth's surface, as well as high temperatures that can range from 2,200 to 3,700 degrees Celsius (4,000 to 6,700 degrees Fahrenheit).
Its composition consists primarily of silicate minerals rich in magnesium and iron, such as perovskite and magnesiowüstite, which contribute to the lower mantle's dense and solid nature. The intense pressure and temperature within this layer result in unique physical properties, including high viscosity and the ability to transmit seismic waves, unlike the outer core.
Convection currents play a crucial role within the lower mantle, driving the circulation of heat from the core to the Earth's surface. These convective movements generate immense forces that shape the tectonic activities and movements of the overlying lithosphere. Although the lower mantle remains largely inaccessible for direct exploration, its behavior and dynamics are inferred through studies of seismic waves, laboratory experiments, and computer simulations. Understanding the lower mantle is essential for comprehending the Earth's internal structure, geodynamics, and the mechanisms behind geological events such as plate tectonics and mantle plumes.
Common Misspellings for LOWER MANTLE
- kower mantle
- power mantle
- oower mantle
- liwer mantle
- lkwer mantle
- llwer mantle
- lpwer mantle
- l0wer mantle
- l9wer mantle
- loqer mantle
- loaer mantle
- loser mantle
- loeer mantle
- lo3er mantle
- lo2er mantle
- lowwr mantle
- lowsr mantle
- lowdr mantle
- lowrr mantle
Etymology of LOWER MANTLE
The word "lower" in the term "lower mantle" refers to its position relative to the Earth's core and crust. "Lower" indicates that it is closer to the core than the upper mantle.
The term "mantle" comes from the Latin word "mantellum", which means "cloak" or "cover". It was originally used in geography to describe the layer of rocks that covers the Earth's core. Over time, the term "mantle" was adopted in geology to specifically refer to the layer between the Earth's crust and core.
