Mantle geology is the study of the Earth's mantle, a thick layer located between the Earth's crust and the outer core. This layer is primarily composed of silicate minerals and extends about 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) deep. The mantle plays a crucial role in tectonic processes, including plate tectonics, which shapes the Earth's surface. Researchers use various methods, such as seismic waves and mantle xenoliths, to understand the mantle's composition and behavior. The mantle is not static; it undergoes convection, where hot material rises and cooler material sinks, driving geological activity like volcanoes and earthquakes.