The asthenosphere is described as the “plastic mantle”. use a simile to describe the plastic-like characteristic of the asthenosphere. If you are unsure of what a simile is, ask someone or look it up!
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
A simile to describe the plastic-like characteristic of the asthenosphere could be:
The asthenosphere is like soft, warm putty, slowly flowing under pressure.
Explanation:
The asthenosphere is a layer of the Earth’s mantle located beneath the lithosphere, approximately 100 to 700 kilometers below the surface. It is often referred to as “plastic” because of its semi-fluid properties, which means it behaves like a solid over long periods but flows like a liquid when under stress. This plastic-like quality is crucial for plate tectonics, as it allows the rigid lithosphere above it to move.
The analogy of soft, warm putty helps convey the asthenosphere’s ability to deform slowly when subjected to force. Just like how putty, although solid, can be molded and shaped when warmed and pressed, the asthenosphere allows tectonic plates to move atop it. However, unlike a solid material that resists deformation, the asthenosphere deforms easily over time and is capable of flowing very slowly, which is essential for the movement of Earth’s plates.
The term “plastic” in geology does not refer to the man-made material, but rather to a substance that is capable of changing shape without breaking or cracking. This property is vital for understanding how Earth’s tectonic processes work. The plates of the lithosphere, which are solid and rigid, rest on top of the asthenosphere. They are able to move, slide, and shift because of the flow and flexibility of the asthenosphere beneath them.
In short, the asthenosphere is like warm putty that flows slowly and can change shape when pressure is applied, allowing the Earth’s tectonic plates to drift over it, shaping the planet’s surface.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
A simile to describe the plastic-like characteristic of the asthenosphere could be:
The asthenosphere is like soft, warm putty, slowly flowing under pressure.
Explanation:
The asthenosphere is a layer of the Earth’s mantle located beneath the lithosphere, approximately 100 to 700 kilometers below the surface. It is often referred to as “plastic” because of its semi-fluid properties, which means it behaves like a solid over long periods but flows like a liquid when under stress. This plastic-like quality is crucial for plate tectonics, as it allows the rigid lithosphere above it to move.
The analogy of soft, warm putty helps convey the asthenosphere’s ability to deform slowly when subjected to force. Just like how putty, although solid, can be molded and shaped when warmed and pressed, the asthenosphere allows tectonic plates to move atop it. However, unlike a solid material that resists deformation, the asthenosphere deforms easily over time and is capable of flowing very slowly, which is essential for the movement of Earth’s plates.
The term “plastic” in geology does not refer to the man-made material, but rather to a substance that is capable of changing shape without breaking or cracking. This property is vital for understanding how Earth’s tectonic processes work. The plates of the lithosphere, which are solid and rigid, rest on top of the asthenosphere. They are able to move, slide, and shift because of the flow and flexibility of the asthenosphere beneath them.
In short, the asthenosphere is like warm putty that flows slowly and can change shape when pressure is applied, allowing the Earth’s tectonic plates to drift over it, shaping the planet’s surface.