Approximately how deep beneath Earth's surface does the mantle begin?

Prepare for the NES Earth and Space Science (307) Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations to enhance your understanding and boost your confidence. Excel in your exam preparation!

Multiple Choice

Approximately how deep beneath Earth's surface does the mantle begin?

Explanation:
Mantle begins at the boundary beneath the crust, known as the Moho. Under continental regions this boundary sits roughly 30 kilometers below the surface, while beneath oceans it can be much shallower, about 5–10 kilometers. For an approximate depth question like this, 30 kilometers is a reasonable choice because it reflects the common depth of the crust–mantle boundary under land. The mantle itself extends far deeper, but that deeper extent isn’t what this question is asking.

Mantle begins at the boundary beneath the crust, known as the Moho. Under continental regions this boundary sits roughly 30 kilometers below the surface, while beneath oceans it can be much shallower, about 5–10 kilometers. For an approximate depth question like this, 30 kilometers is a reasonable choice because it reflects the common depth of the crust–mantle boundary under land. The mantle itself extends far deeper, but that deeper extent isn’t what this question is asking.

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