In which layer of the Earth does convection take place?

Convection takes place in the mantle of the Earth. The mantle is a semi-solid layer located between the crust and the outer core, characterized by its ability to flow slowly over geological time scales. This convection process occurs due to the heat produced by the decay of radioactive elements and residual heat from the Earth's formation, which causes the material in the mantle to heat up, rise, cool, and then sink back down in a continuous cycle.

This movement drives plate tectonics, influences volcanic activity, and shapes the geological features of the Earth. While convection does not occur significantly in the crust or the core, the mantle is the primary region where this dynamic process is prominent. The core is primarily composed of solid and liquid metals and does not exhibit convection in the same way as the mantle. Thus, choosing the mantle correctly identifies the layer where convection is active and has significant geological implications.