* Upper Mantle: Ranges from around 650°C (1200°F) at the top to 1000°C (1800°F) at the bottom. This region is mostly solid rock but can behave plastically, allowing the tectonic plates to move.
* Lower Mantle: Extends from about 660 km (410 mi) to 2,891 km (1,796 mi) deep. Temperatures here are estimated to reach 2,000°C (3,600°F) or higher.
Important Factors:
* Pressure: The immense pressure within the Earth keeps the mantle mostly solid, even at high temperatures.
* Composition: The mantle is composed mostly of silicate minerals, which have different melting points.
* Radioactive Decay: Radioactive elements within the mantle release heat, contributing to the high temperatures.
Note: There are no direct measurements of the mantle's temperature. Scientists rely on indirect methods like studying seismic waves, analyzing volcanic materials, and modeling the Earth's heat flow. So, the temperature estimates are based on these indirect observations and may vary depending on the specific model used.
