GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Below the lithosphere within the upper portion of the mantle is a plastic layer of rock called the asthenosphere. According to the theory of plate tectonics, the plates are driven by convection cells located within the plastic asthenosphere.

Detailed explanation-2: -The plates move on a hot flowing mantle layer called the asthenosphere, which is several hundred kilometers thick. Heat within the asthenosphere creates convection currents (similar to the currents that can be seen in the lava lamp).

Detailed explanation-3: -Tremendous heat and pressure within the earth cause the hot magma to flow in convection currents. These currents cause the movement of the tectonic plates that make up the earth’s crust.

Detailed explanation-4: -Temperature increases with depth in the earth and eventually the rock material of the mantle becomes partially molten. This partially molten layer is called the asthenosphere. Because it is partly molten (perhaps up to 10%) it becomes pliable or “plastic".

Detailed explanation-5: -The Asthenosphere is the relatively warm, plastic (possibly partially molten) portion of the upper Mantle that extends from as shallow as 10 km depth (at Mid-Ocean Ridges) to approximately 700 km.