Here's a breakdown:
* Upper limit: The asthenosphere begins at the base of the lithosphere, which can vary in depth depending on tectonic activity and location.
* Lower limit: The asthenosphere transitions into the deeper, more rigid mesosphere. The precise depth of this boundary is also variable.
Important notes:
* The asthenosphere is not a solid layer, but a zone of partial melting. This means it has a weak, plastic-like consistency that allows for slow, ductile flow.
* The exact depth and characteristics of the asthenosphere can vary depending on factors like tectonic activity, temperature, and pressure.
* It's important to remember that the Earth's interior is not uniformly layered. There are transitions and complexities within each layer.
So, while the range of 100 km to 700 km is a general guideline, the asthenosphere's exact depth can vary considerably.