GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -asthenosphere. The asthenosphere is the semi-rigid part of the middle mantle that flows like hot asphalt under a heavy weight. The crust and the upper layer of the mantle together make up a zone of rigid, brittle rock called the Lithosphere.

Detailed explanation-2: -It is mostly solid rock, but less viscous at tectonic plate boundaries and mantle plumes. Mantle rocks there are soft and able to move plastically (over the course of millions of years) at great depth and pressure. The transfer of heat and material in the mantle helps determine the landscape of Earth.

Detailed explanation-3: -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.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Mantle: The mantle is the thickest layer of the Earth, making up about 82% of its volume. The mantle is composed primarily of heavy metals, such as iron, nickel, magnesium, and others. Scientists describe the state of the mantle as ‘plastic.