Introduction to the Lithosphere

Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces, making them susceptible to erosion. Erosion then transports these weathered fragments, often through agents like wind, water, or ice. This process creates landforms and deposits sediment over time.

Intrusive igneous rocks form when magma cools and solidifies below the Earth's surface, resulting in larger crystals due to slower cooling. Extrusive igneous rocks form when lava cools and solidifies on the surface, leading to smaller crystals or a glassy texture due to faster cooling.

Heat flow from the Earth's interior drives convection currents within the mantle. Hotter, less dense material rises, while cooler, denser material sinks, creating a circular motion that pulls and pushes tectonic plates.

<p>The lithosphere contains a vast array of minerals that are essential for various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and technology. Examples include metallic ores like iron, aluminum, and copper, as well as non-metallic minerals like quartz, gypsum, and limestone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The lithosphere's composition and activity can lead to natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and tsunamis. Earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates, while volcanic eruptions result from the release of magma from the earth's interior. Landslides can be triggered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or heavy rainfall, while tsunamis are giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The lithosphere consists of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Oceanic crust is denser and thinner than continental crust. Oceanic crust is primarily composed of basalt, while continental crust is predominantly composed of granite.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The lithosphere's thickness varies depending on its location and the level of tectonic activity. It is typically thicker under continents and thinner under oceans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The asthenosphere is a semi-molten layer beneath the lithosphere. It acts as a lubricant, allowing the rigid lithospheric plates to move and interact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plate tectonics describes the movement and interaction of the Earth's lithospheric plates. These interactions, through divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries, cause various geological events, shaping mountains, forming ocean basins, generating earthquakes, and creating volcanic activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>At a divergent plate boundary, two plates move apart, resulting in the creation of new crust. This process is often associated with volcanic activity, rift valleys, and the formation of mid-ocean ridges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When two plates collide at a convergent boundary, one plate usually subducts beneath the other, leading to the formation of mountains, volcanic arcs, and deep ocean trenches. These collisions can also trigger earthquakes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>At a transform plate boundary, two plates slide past each other horizontally. These boundaries often experience significant friction, leading to the generation of earthquakes along the fault line. The San Andreas Fault in California is a classic example of a transform boundary.</p> Signup and view all the answers