Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Explained in plain English

What is a planet's mantle?

Mercury's volcanic rocks originated from its mantle, which is the layer of a planet between its crust and core. On Earth, the mantle is mostly solid but can flow slowly over geological timescales. Understanding how material melts within a planet's mantle helps explain its surface features and overall evolution.

Stories that explain this

Mercury's surface has much less silicon dioxide than experts expected

Related explainers

How do we measure planets? Why is Mercury so rocky? What are volcanic rocks? Is AI bad for the planet? Why do planets have seasons? What is a 'rogue planet'?

The full catalogue

Browse every card filed under P →