What is convection and how is it related to the mantle?

The mantle is composed primarily of the elements iron, silicon, oxygen, and magnesium. It is denser than the earth's outermost layer, and its density rises with depth because of the higher concentration of iron in the lower mantle, which generates convection currents.

Convection is the process of heat transfer through the movement of a fluid, such as a gas or liquid, due to differences in temperature. In the Earth's mantle, convection occurs because of the heat generated from radioactive decay in the Earth's core. This heat causes material in the mantle to become less dense and rise towards the surface, while cooler, denser material sinks back down. This convection process is responsible for the movement of tectonic plates and the associated geological activity, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.