The layer just below the Earth's crust is called the mantle. The mantle is a thick layer of rock that extends approximately 1,800 miles beneath the Earth's surface. It is made up of solid rock, but it has the ability to flow over long periods of time, similar to the way that ice flows in a glacier. The mantle is divided into two parts: the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is made up of solid rock that is capable of flowing slowly over time. The lower mantle is much denser and is made up of solid rock that is under immense pressure from the weight of the rock above it. One of the most important features of the mantle is its role in the movement of tectonic plates. The tectonic plates that make up the Earth's crust float on top of the semi-fluid mantle. The movement of these plates is what causes earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountain ranges. The mantle also plays a crucial role in the Earth's heat budget. Heat from the Earth's core is transferred to the mantle, where it is then transferred to the crust. This heat transfer is what drives the movement of the tectonic plates and the formation of magma beneath the Earth's surface. Overall, the mantle is a critical component of the Earth's structure and plays a vital role in the dynamic processes that shape our planet. To learn more about the mantle and its role in the Earth's geology, you can visit the following links: - [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/earth/earths-interior/mantle/](National Geographic - The Earth's Mantle) - [https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/EarthStress/earth_stress2.php](NASA Earth Observatory - Earth's Mantle and Tectonic Plates) In conclusion, the mantle is a fascinating and complex layer of the Earth that influences everything from the movement of tectonic plates to the formation of volcanoes. Understanding the mantle is crucial to understanding the Earth's geology and the processes that shape our planet.

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