Asthenosphere: Earth's Upper Mantle Layer
The question asks to identify the upper part of the Earth where the asthenosphere is located. The asthenosphere is described as a highly viscous, mechanically weak, and ductilely deforming region.
Understanding the Asthenosphere
The asthenosphere is a distinct zone within the Earth. It is located:
- Just below the lithosphere (the rigid outer part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle).
- Within the upper mantle.
Its properties, described as viscous and weakly deforming, are crucial for plate tectonics, as the tectonic plates essentially "float" and move upon this layer.
Identifying the Correct Layer
Based on geological structure:
- The crust is the outermost solid shell.
- The mantle lies beneath the crust and extends down to the core.
- The core is the innermost part of the Earth.
The asthenosphere specifically resides within the upper part of the Earth's mantle. Therefore, the blank in the question should be filled with 'mantle'.
Final Answer
The asthenosphere is the highly viscous, mechanically weak and ductilely deforming region of the upper mantle of Earth.
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Important Questions from Geomorphology
Which one of the following is not an igneous rock?
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Hypocenter is the point on the surface of the Earth, nearest to the focus.
2. Velocity of earthquake waves is higher in denser materials.
3. P waves move faster and are the first to arrive at the surface of the Earth.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which one of the following is the lowermost/innermost intrusive igneous rock?
The formation of ‘tors’ on small rocky hills is associated with which among the following?
Which one of the following statements about metamorphic rocks is not correct?
