Question

What is the state of the mantle

Answer 1

The mantle is mostly rich in iron and magnesium oxides and silicates. The mantle is usually divided into the Upper and Lower mantle separated by a transition zone that is smaller than the one that exists between the Inner and Outer core.

Some key things to remember when discussing states of Earth's structure are:
1. Temperatures are highest at depth and increase as you go towards the surface
2. Materials are thicker at depth, with high viscosity, due to increased pressure

Therefore, rocks in the lower mantle are at a high enough temperature that they become soft and are able to flow slowly.