noun HSK 6
màn
mantle (geology) · Earth's mantle

Meaning

地幔 refers to the mantle, the thick layer of hot, dense rock between Earth's crust and core. It comprises the majority of Earth's volume and plays a crucial role in plate tectonics and volcanic activity. This is a scientific geological term used primarily in academic and educational contexts.

Usage

This is a technical term used in geology, earth science textbooks, and scientific discussions. It's not part of everyday conversation unless discussing geology or planetary science. Native speakers typically encounter this word in school science classes or documentaries about Earth's structure.

Examples

  1. 01
    地幔占地球体积的百分之八十以上。
    màn zhàn dìqiú tǐjī de bǎi fēn zhī shí yǐshàng.
    The mantle accounts for more than 80 percent of Earth's volume.
  2. 02
    地幔中的热对流驱动着板块运动。
    màn zhōng de duì liú qūdòng zhe bǎn kuài yùndòng.
    Thermal convection in the mantle drives plate movement.

Characters

Measure words

  • céng一层地幔

Common collocations

  • 地幔
    shàng màn
    upper mantle
  • 地幔
    xià màn
    lower mantle
  • 地幔对流
    màn duì liú
    mantle convection
  • 地幔物质
    màn zhì
    mantle material

Origin

The term combines 地 (earth) with 幔 (curtain/covering), metaphorically describing the mantle as a 'curtain' or 'covering' layer surrounding Earth's core. The character 幔 suggests something that drapes or covers, which aptly describes the mantle's position between the crust and core.

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