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Beginner · 3 min

Compare compositional layers

Earth is commonly divided by composition into crust, mantle, and core. These categories differ from divisions based on mechanical behavior. Most of the mantle is solid, although it can deform slowly over geological time. Earth’s outer core is liquid and its inner core is solid. Avoid picturing all material below the crust as an ocean of magma.

Practice

Which description of most of the mantle is appropriate?