Which layer of the Earth has plasticity and includes convection currents?
Atmosphere
Asthenosphere
Lithosphere
Mesosphere
We are here, but not 24/7. You need to have patience.
Atmospheric circulation is the large-scale movement of air and together with ocean circulation is the means by which thermal energy is redistributed on the surface of the Earth.
The correct answer is the Asthenosphere.
To determine this, we can use basic geology knowledge. The Earth is composed of several layers, including the crust, mantle, and core. The asthenosphere is a part of the upper mantle, which lies just beneath the rigid lithosphere. The lithosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth and includes the crust and a portion of the mantle.
The asthenosphere is characterized by its plasticity, meaning it can deform and flow like a liquid over long periods of time due to the intense heat and pressure present in the Earth's interior. This plasticity allows for the movement of tectonic plates and the formation of convection currents. Convection currents are large-scale movements of magma within the asthenosphere and are responsible for driving plate tectonics and the process of seafloor spreading.
To summarize, the layer of the Earth that has plasticity and includes convection currents is the asthenosphere.