The Mantle

The mantle is a thick, rocky layer of Earth located between the crust (the outer surface) and the core (the dense center). It extends about 1,800 miles below the surface and makes up most of Earth's volume. The mantle's rocks are semi-solid and can slowly flow over long periods, which drives the movement of tectonic plates. This movement causes earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the shifting of continents. The mantle plays a crucial role in Earth's geology by transferring heat from the core to the surface and facilitating the dynamic processes that shape our planet.